Local traders concerned over new one-hour parking design

Traders located on The Square in Roscommon Town have raised concerns that the changed design of the one-hour parking spaces is not having the desired effect.

At a recent meeting of Roscommon Municipal District, Fianna Fáil Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said he had been contacted by several businesses located near The Square who raised concerns about the new design.

When the public realm was being done on The Square, there was a change in design, which Cllr Fitzmaurice said was not as “visual”.

He outlined to the meeting that the original design was fully green, the same as the ones he had proposed for Castlerea.

“The original design was a fully green space with yellow writing, stating one hour parking,” he said.

The meeting heard that local traders were concerned that the current design was not now as clear.

“The businesses I spoke to were of the understanding that when the public realm works were done, the spaces would go back to the same design as they had been originally. They told me that they had been given that reassurance.

“The way they are done now, it’s a small little strip and the businesses are concerned because it’s not as clear for drivers using these spaces.

“There are people parking there and maybe not realising and staying there all day. That’s very tough on local businesses,” said Cllr Fitzmaurice.

Cllr Larry Brennan (FF) agreed that some cars were parked all day in these spaces.

Boyle Municipal District Coordinator Tom McDermott said that he would get a price for the work to return the spaces back to their original design. 

He said this work could be done if there was some public realm funding available.