Free parking will boost Christmas business

Senator Deirdre Clune would like to welcome the extended free parking initiative which was introduced by Cork City Council in an effort to increase pre-Christmas trade in Cork city. The measures include free late-night parking and a free park-and-ride service on Saturdays. The Council is calling for private car parks to join in the efforts to boost footfall.  

“Following the success of last year’s four-week free parking initiative, I am delighted that the council is again providing much needed support for retailers in our city centre that are struggling at present.

“In the latest Consumer Sentiment Index, consumer sentiment fell to 60.2 in September which is the weakest number since February.  I hope that initiatives like this one will encourage consumers to spend which will lead to a boost in the local economy in Cork.  

“The city centre is competing with out of town shopping centres with free parking but in my opinion the range of shopping on offer in Cork city is superior to the centres in the area.

“Particularly during Christmas time, there is a great atmosphere in the city centre where people can shop, eat out and avail of the wide variety of entertainment in the city.

“The council will also promote its award-winning Cork Christmas Celebration, which begins on Friday the 30^th   of November.

“I would like to encourage people to take advantage of the free parking and support the enterprise in Cork city.”

* Free parking in Paul St and North Main St car parks between 10am and 12pm Monday to Thursday, from Oct 22;  

* Free parking in Paul St car park from 6.30pm to 12am on Thursdays and Fridays from Oct 25 to facilitate late-night shoppers;  

* A free park-and-ride service on Saturdays from the Black Ash site.