Cork City Councillor Kenneth O’Flynn has placed a motion before Cork City Council calling for two hours of free parking to be introduced on North Main Street and Paul Street car parks every Saturday between 9am-11am. Cllr. O’Flynn said; “City Council must give business the lead with ideas like this which not only benefit the consumer, but also allow people the freedom and ease to come into town, park their car for free for a period of time and not have to worry about cost or the clampers.” Cllr. O’Flynn believes his motion would not just benefit the local economy but inspire retailers to take further initiative to boost their own business in a way that is cost effective and fair to consumers.
Having met with leading members of the Cork business community in the past number of months, Cllr. O’Flynn has found that Saturday trading in the City is at an all time low. Speaking on this he said; “With centres like Mahon point, Blackpool, Douglas and Wilton Shopping Centre with free parking all day the incentive is for consumers to go to these destinations and shop at their leisure. If we in the City can allow them the two free hours parking, we give them a greater incentive to return to the City Centre and not to worry about having to pay high car park fees.” Councillor O’Flynn stated his belief that in particular this would be a huge boost to the faltering Saturday trade in the City.
