Kieran ‘s comments, Cork City Council Meeting, 24 May 2010

Re:  Kieran’s motion, which came before the City Council meeting, Monday 24 May 2010;

“As an incentive to boost trading in Cork City and to help traders in these difficult economic times, that this Council would offer 2 hours free parking in the Council’s two public carparks on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 11am on a trial period in early spring 2010, a period of time to be agreed upon (Cllr K. McCarthy)”.

Kieran: Despite the E.5 million surplus over the last three years, car parking income is going one way. Over E.500,000 was lost between 2007 and 2009.  Over E.180,000 in income was lost in public car parks in 2008/ 09. All of the Council’s public carparks North Main Street and Paul Street, White Street and Park and Ride are losing money. People are not buying into multi-storey carparks and the 1,900 car parks spaces. There is a need for a review and a marketing campaign.

This is a positive proposal for the Council; it is a positive proposal for traders. North Main Street carpark in particular is worst affected.  I wish to call for a vote to reject the managers report which recommends not carrying out this proposal.

Kmc: Unfortunately I was outvoted, 17-5 by by fellow councillors.