Free half-hour parking in Buncrana ‘must remain’ in place, urge local Councillors

Inishowen County Councillors have moved to reassure local businesses and shoppers that the free half-hour parking system in Buncrana will remain in place, even if charges at the meter do go up after an upcoming review.

Cllr Jack Murray has confirmed that Councillors from Buncrana met with DCC officials last November to discuss parking arrangements in the town.

At that meeting, the Sinn Fein man has revealed, there was clear agreement that the free half-hour ‘grace’ period is an important support for local trade and should be retained.

“The free half-hour is about convenience,” Cllr Murray says. “It allows people to pop into a shop, pick up a few items, call to the chemist or grab a coffee, without worrying about having change in their pocket or being tight for time to log in online.”

"This measure plays a role in encouraging footfall on the Main Street and supporting local businesses, particularly at a time when town centres face increasing competition.”

When it comes to an increase in parking fees, Cllr Murray concedes that a “minor and affordable adjustment” to longer parking charges could be considered, provided it is proportionate and reasonable.

“If modestly structured, any small increase (after the free stay) could help generate revenue locally to support initiatives such as street sweeping, Christmas lights, St Patrick’s Day events and other community activities that make Buncrana an attractive place to shop and visit.”

He added: “The priority must be to support local businesses while maintaining a vibrant, welcoming town centre. The free half-hour strikes that balance, and I believe it should stay – and thankfully we secured agreement on that.”

Fianna Fail Cllr Fionan Bradley has been consistently "110 per cent opposed" to the removal of the free half-hour parking in Buncrana too.

Meanwhile, Redress Cllr Joy Beard has also confirmed that she will not support any proposal to do away with free thirty-minute parking on the Main Street in Buncrana.

“I want to be absolutely clear: I will not support the removal of the free thirty-minute parking in Buncrana," she said.

“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.”

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While no public consultation has yet begun, Cllr Beard said she would encourage full engagement when the time comes.

“When a consultation process does open, I would strongly encourage members of the public and the business community to participate and make their views known. Buncrana’s voice must be heard clearly.”

With parking charges likely to increase for the first time in almost twenty years, Cllr Beard said 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,” she added.