YEAR-ROUND paid parking has been approved for Kilkee after councillors adopted revised parking byelaws for the seaside town.
The updated byelaws, approved at a special meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, will extend paid parking beyond the current bathing season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.
Under the existing arrangements, pay-and-display parking operates in Kilkee’s East End and West End car parks during this period, between 11am and 6pm.
Administrative Officer Liam O’Connor said the changes followed discussions between Clare County Council, An Garda Síochána and the Kilkee Chamber, with all parties agreeing that amendments to the existing parking byelaws were required.
“The main changes that were proposed were the application of the byelaws all year round,” Mr O’Connor said.
Mr O’Connor said the revised byelaws also reduce the maximum stay for campervans from 48 hours to 24 hours.
“That area in Marine Parade near the bandstand would be designated as a parking area for campervans,” he said, adding that campervans will be prohibited from parking in other byelaw-controlled areas.
Mr O’Connor said the revised byelaws will also clearly state the fixed charge fine amounts and payment procedures, while references to An Garda Síochána as authorised officers have also been updated.
The draft byelaws were placed on public display from May 29 until July 13, during which four submissions were received. Councillors were asked to decide whether to adopt the byelaws as drafted, amend them or reject them.
Proposing the adoption of the byelaws, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said they were “a very positive move for Kilkee in terms of managing the parking situation.”
“It is something we can work with and work towards in the local community,” she added.
The new bye laws was then formally seconded by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).
