Officials say the public is fed-up of not being able to find spaces to park cars when transacting business at the local authority, especially as some vehicles appear to be left all day long in the College Road carpark.
From today, Thursday, April 24, barriers will be in operation, and drivers who do not have their ticket endorsed by a council official in City Hall will pay €2 per hour for parking, after an initial, 30 minute grace period.
“Visitors and customers of City Hall, particularly those with children or mobility needs, often struggle to access parking, and have complained to our Customer Services team about this issue,” said a spokeswoman. “At times, when the parking is full, drivers park inappropriately or unsafely: in loading bays, on double yellow lines, on footpaths and on crossings, which can obstruct visitors and deliveries, as well as damaging green areas and planters.”
One city employee said the public car park is usually full from 9am, and remains so all day, with some legitimate visitors deciding to leave their car at City Hall all day after their business there is complete.
Parking will be available for the public at evenings and weekends, and will be subject to the €2 per hour charge.
The council says its motivation is to ensure that customers and visitors may access City Hall without delays.
“Galway City Council will assist our customers and visitors to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements,” said a spokeswoman.
