Free parking in Navan for Christmas

There will be free parking on Saturdays in Navan in the run up to Christmas, as well as in Christmas week, following a decision at Navan Town Council last week. Cllr Francis Deane proposed that parking charges be waived from 11am on Saturday 4th, 11th and 18th December, in addition to free parking in Navan for the entire Christmas week, 18th to 24th December. His proposal was made in an effort to generate much needed business to boost the depressed, stagnant and paralysed local economy, he said. His motion was seconded by Cllr Shane Cassells. A counter motion by Cllr Jim Holloway proposing three hours parking for the price of one in the short stay car parks in the three-week run up to Christmas was defeated. Town clerk Shane Donnelly estimated that the council would be relinguishing income in the region of €14,000 if Cllr Deane’s proposal was successful, which he said was manageable. Cllr Deane said it was important that businesses in town see that the council was supporting them at this time of year by making the investment of €14,000. Cllr Anton McCabe called on those responsible for the 2,000 private parking spaces in the town to adopt a similar attitude in order to boost business in the town. Councillors also supported a plan to provide a market on Kennedy Place for a trial run, similar to the one erected recently at the recent Samhain Sounds Festival. The pilot project will take place for six months with gazebos provided by a specialist company which has supplied Fingal Markets, Drogheda Borough Council and was evident at the recent tented village at Killeen Castle for the Ladies Irish Open. High quality selective produce unique to the Navan area will be sold, and local producers will be urges to get involved. Examples include organic fruit and vegetables, local breads and cakes, arts and crafts, cheeses and gourmet foods. Following the market at the Samhain Sounds Festival, there was a very sensitive response from the public and local business, and a dramatic increase in footfall in and around thetown centre, town clerk Donnelly said. Councillors emphasised the need to be sensitive to the local traders already in business in the town and thir produce when deciding who is allowed set up in the market.