Councillors pledge to protect Buncrana's free half‑hour parking ahead of proposed county review
A number of Inishowen County Councillors have said they will not support any proposal to remove the free thirty minutes parking on the Main Street in Buncrana.
A proposed county-wide review of parking charges has sparked widespread concern around Buncrana’s free half-hour parking period in recent days.
Councillor Joy Beard has clarified that while a review has been referenced, it has not yet commenced and no date has been set for it to begin.
She stressed she would not support any removal of Buncrana’s free parking period.
The 100% Redress Party Councillor added: “This issue has arisen because parking systems across towns in Donegal operate differently, and there are inconsistencies in how charges apply. In addition, Buncrana’s parking account is currently operating at a loss. While all income generated from parking is ringfenced for Buncrana, the scheme is not presently covering its costs, and that financial position cannot continue indefinitely,” Colr Beard said.
“However, I want to be absolutely clear. I will not support the removal of the free thirty minutes parking in Buncrana.”
Cllr Beard confirmed that she has been engaging directly with local businesses on the issue.
“I have spoken with traders and business owners, and they are very clear that the free half hour supports footfall, short visits and town centre activity. It works, and it benefits local trade.”
Councillor Jack Murray said he, too, would oppose any proposal to abolish the free 30 minutes.
The Sinn Fein Councillor said: “For clarity — this consultation has arisen because the towns where parking charges currently apply are inconsistent in how they operate.
“I want to be absolutely clear though - I have always opposed the abolition of the free half-hour parking period, and there is agreement among councillors in Buncrana on this. We met before Christmas on this issue and agreed that the free half hour must stay.
“The free half hour supports local trade, quick turnover, and accessibility for people calling into our shops and services. I believe it works, and businesses clearly say that.
“Of course, people should have their say as part of any consultation process — that’s important. But our local business community has been very clear on this issue, and we will act in their interest.
“Supporting Buncrana’s town centre must remain the priority. The free half hour is a key part of that.”
Colr Fionan Bradley said he, too, would oppose any proposal but added that there is currently ‘no review’ underway at the moment.
He said: “Unfortunately this morning there has been widespread confusion and mass hysteria in relation to parking charges in Buncrana. It's important to lay out the FACTS as follows:
1. There is no review of parking charges underway in Buncrana currently,
2. At some point later this year there will be a County wide review of parking charges in every location in the County where they are applicable (not just Buncrana) because currently there are several different sets of bye laws relating to parking charges in operation throughout the County
3. A significant part of that review will be the public consultation where every resident, business owner, employee, tourist and visitor to the County will have an opportunity to give their feedback on parking charges right throughout the County,
4. After that review the Colrs of the County (not the officials) will vote to adopt new parking bylaws,
5. The parking regime doesn't have to be standardized throughout the County after the review (although this is the council executives preference),
6. From the beginning of this discussion I have made it abundantly clear to every single person that I am 110% opposed to the removal of the free half an hour on the Main Street,
7. All the Colrs in Buncrana hold the same view and have relayed this to the Council executive at a series of meetings,
8. No changes will be implemented until after the review and public consultation are complete.