Recruitment of staff in Kells is being hindered by shortage of parking spaces

Parking availability has become a factor in attracting staff, businesses in Kells have found.

The lack of long term car parking in the town came under scrutiny at a Kells Municipal Council meeting, where it emerged some local employers found that parking facilities had become a factor in attracting staff.

Cllr Sarah Reilly proposed that a full review of the parking facilities in Kells town be conducted, including the provision of short- term, long-term, residential, and disabled parking.

She asked that the review be presented to councillors along with an outline of the Council’s plans to increase parking supply.

Cllr Reilly said the closure of an unofficial car park on Bective Street had removed approximately fifty spaces from use.

"Since then, the effect has been gradual but clear. Pressure has shifted onto existing areas, most noticeably on Back Street, where availability is now limited particularly later in the day.

"Centra and Lynch's Pharmacy have both outlined ongoing difficulties for staff. Dunnes Fashion House has similarly noted that access to parking now often depends on arriving early.

"The impact on staff is practical. Time is lost searching for spaces, and there have been instances where this has led to late arrivals."

Cllr Reilly said alternative options are limited. "The unofficial car park at Chipper Lane is both frequently full and has raised safety concerns. Those same concerns extend to existing long-term car parks, particularly in winter months, when journeys begin before daylight or end well after it.

"Many of those affected are young workers, some starting at 5:30 in the morning, others finishing at 10:30 at night, walking to and from their cars in low light.

"There is also a cost consideration. With the loss of a free option, a monthly charge of around €70 is now part of the equation, a notable expense for those on minimum wage.

"There are wider effects. One employer has indicated that parking availability is now a factor in attracting staff.

"While on-street parking may appear an option for those finishing late, in practice it is not. A shift from 3pm to 10:30pm extends beyond time limits, and the risk of fines is not theoretical; it has occurred."

She said not all businesses are affected in the same way. "Dental Care Ireland, for example, operates largely within daylight hours and staff are able to access parking. However, they have noted that availability can still present challenges for patients.

"The position is straightforward: a reduction in supply, consistent demand, and limited alternatives.

"For that reason, I believe it is appropriate that we examine how additional long-term parking might be secured," she said.

Cllr Sean Drew said he fully supported the motion. "One issue has come up in relation to the long term car park at Kenlis Place. When someone gets an annual business ticket, it specifies the long term car park, so if someone who has a ticket for Kenlis Place arrive and it is full, they should have the option of going to the other long term car park. They shouldn't be restricted, if Kenlis Place is full.

"A review is needed as soon as possible, we cannot wait for the county development plan. Something needs to be done in the short term," he said.

The council responded that there were 716 public parking spaces in Kells including 685 pay and display, 21 disabled spaces, three age friendly bays, five loading bays and two EV charging bays.

"The unofficial car park at Bective Street would not be part of any review as it was not regulated by the council.

"Parking will be assessed as art of the Kells Public Ream and Regeneration Plan which will form part of the County Development Plan review, when the new planning legislation is enacted," the councillors were told.

- Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme