RE: Proposed Introduction of Paid Parking (Zone A – 2 Hour Maximum Stay) at Central Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

To:
Westmeath County Council
Mullingar Civic Offices

Date: [02/04/2026]

1. Introduction

I wish to make a formal submission in relation to the proposal by Westmeath County Council to introduce paid parking (Zone A – On Street Maximum Stay of Two Hours) at Central Park, Mullingar, under the Mullingar Parking, Traffic and Car Park Bye-Laws 2012.

While I acknowledge the need for traffic management and parking control, I wish to raise a number of concerns regarding the appropriateness and impact of this proposal.

2. Impact on Public Amenity

Central Park is a key public amenity in Mullingar, used by:

Families and children
Elderly persons
Recreational users
Community groups

Introducing paid parking in this location risks:

Discouraging use of the park by local residents
Creating a barrier to access, particularly for lower-income users
Undermining the role of the park as a freely accessible public space

Public parks should remain easily accessible and not subject to restrictive or costly access measures.

3. Inappropriate Time Restriction (2 Hour Limit)

The proposed maximum stay of two hours is not appropriate for a park setting:

Visitors often spend extended periods engaging in recreational or family activities
Community events, sports, and leisure use frequently exceed two hours
The restriction may result in unnecessary stress or penalties for users

This time limit is more suited to commercial areas rather than recreational amenities.

4. Impact on Local Community and Usage

The introduction of paid parking may:

Displace parking into surrounding residential areas
Create additional traffic circulation as drivers seek free parking
Negatively impact regular users who rely on convenient access

This could result in unintended consequences for both residents and park users.

5. Lack of Justification

There appears to be insufficient justification provided for:

The need to introduce paid parking in this specific location
Evidence of congestion or misuse that would warrant such measures
Consideration of alternative, less restrictive solutions

A clear rationale supported by data should be provided before implementing such changes.

6. Alternative Approaches

If parking management is required, more appropriate measures could include:

Free parking with time limits only (no charge)
Designated long-stay parking areas for park users
Improved signage and enforcement of existing regulations

These options would balance management needs without restricting access.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed introduction of paid parking at Central Park is considered:

Inappropriate for a key public amenity
Detrimental to accessibility and community use
Insufficiently justified

8. Recommendation

I respectfully request that Westmeath County Council:

Reconsider the introduction of paid parking at this location; or
Remove charges and revise the proposal to better reflect the recreational nature of Central Park

9. Request

I request to be kept informed of any decisions in relation to this proposal.

Yours sincerely,
[Oliver Donoghue]
(Redacted)

Introduction of Paid Parking at Central Park, Mullingar - Submissions

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