Free Christmas week parking for shoppers in Navan

Navan consumers are set to benefit from free parking in the week leading up to Christmas after local councillors agreed to suspend parking charges in a bid to boost seasonal trade in the town. Cllr Shane Cassells at a meeting of the council last week proposed that the council suspend parking charges from 18th-24th December to stimulate shopping activity and promote a positive image of the town. After a debate, it was decided that the free parking would come into effect at 11am each day to prevent it being abused by people who may park their cars in the town early in the morning and get buses elsewhere. The free parking will apply to the €1 per hour zones in the town only and long-stay parking charges will remain. In proposing the motion, Cllr Cassells said that a similar scheme was undertaken in Drogheda last year that proved very successful. He added that the suspension of parking charges would give people an extra reason to come in and spend money in the town. Earlier in the meeting, Cllr Cassells requested details of the monies collected by the council from parking charges up to 30th October and was told by Town Clerk Shane Donnelly that a total of €1,120,326 had been collected from parking meters and fines in Navan. With an expected income for the full 12 months of €1.32m, Cllr Cassells said the council was on course to meet its target for the year and have a small surplus which would give them room to offer free parking for Christmas. "Against such a background where income for the council will not be impacted, it is obvious that we are in a position to offer people a week of free parking. I hope this small gesture helps people in a meaningful way and encourages more people to come into the town centre and support local businesses this Christmas," he said. Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said he welcomed the idea but felt it could be abused. Cllr Francis Deane, who seconded the motion, said he had put forward a similar motion in September that Cllr Cassells was opposed to. Cllr Cassells responded by saying it had not been costed when proposed by Cllr Deane and said he felt it had not been thought out. Cllr Deane went on to say he felt the scheme could be open to abuse and could stimulate shopping activity elsewhere if people took the bus to Dublin or Newry. He suggested that the free parking be from 11am each day and be properly supervised. Cllr Jim Holloway said that if they could manage it, it would be a great idea. Cllr Joe Reilly also supported the motion but said he was concerned how they could police it. Cllr Anton McCabe said he could see a situation where the free parking could be abused, particularly if charges remained for the long-stay car parks. "Who is to say if people are working or shopping?" he asked. It was agreed that that the free parking will be available from 11am to 6pm from 18th-24th December and town manager Eugene Cummins promised it would be "well policed" before 11am.