New areas of Galway City could face parking charges

He told councillors at a meeting of Galway City Council that “new areas, new roads where we haven't had parking charges” were being looked at.

Mr Cleary said elected members would be asked to help identify possible locations at a recent workshop.

"We will look at new income streams," he said, adding that “we have to generate new income.”

He said that the council will “not increase parking charges” as they stand.

He indicated that the workshop would provide an opportunity to identify areas where parking charges could potentially be introduced, but stressed that the discussions were at an early stage.

"We are just gathering ideas," he said.

Mr Cleary also acknowledged the need for fairness in raising additional revenue.

"We will try to be as fair as we can in distributing the load," he added.

His comments came in the wake of the council's decision not to increase Local Property Tax by an additional 10 per cent.

Cllr Peter Keane (FF) also highlighted the financial importance of parking revenue as the council prepares to adopt its forthcoming budget.

"Parking in this city is about resources," he said.

"On November 23 we will be asked to adopt a budget. There will be a line item on parking. We have 2,000 allocated spaces in the city. We better come up with the income from somewhere else," he warned.

The workshop will examine a wider kerbside strategy for the city, with parking meters and the use of existing parking spaces among the issues to be discussed.

A council roads official confirmed that all aspects of kerbside use would be considered.

"Our aim is to put everything on the table," he said, including parking meters.

The workshop will also consider loading facilities, disabled parking and outdoor dining.

No specific roads or locations have been identified for additional parking charges, and it remains to be seen whether any proposals will emerge from the discussions.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme