Call for free parking in a bid to combat Northern shopping
Sligo Chamber is calling for immediate action to be taken by the local authorities to urgently tackle the challenges faced by cross border and online shopping by offering free car parking for the month of December.
The move follows growing concern among traders that high parking charges are deterring shoppers from coming into Sligo town.
"Free parking would boost the local economy by giving visitors and shoppers hassle free access to Sligo's shopping streets and would give a much needed injection to Sligo businesses in the run up to Christmas.
"The Chamber is calling on the County Manager, his officials and all the elected representatives to show the necessary leadership to act now and implement free parking without delay. Sligo Chamber will do everything within its power to help facilitate and support such a move by Sligo's local authorities," said a Chamber spokesperson.
Chamber President, Kevin Quinn Jnr said retailers had been the backbone of Sligo and had serviced the community for years.
"They need and deserve our support at this difficult time. It is not too late for the local authorities to follow the example of Dublin and Waterford city councils, which have each launched free parking incentives. Surely, it is worth implementing this proposal in the runup to Christmas as a trial so as to assess the results for more longterm future parking incentives," he said.
Mr. Quinn said that local businesses and retailers were struggling with the effects of cross border and online shopping, especially in the current economic climate. He added that circumstances now dictated that the free parking proposal must happen without delay.
