Cork council ‘should buy land to create car parks’

Parking in the largest town in West Cork is in such short supply that council officials have been urged to ask property owners if they will sell land for new car parks.

The appeal in Bandon comes as the council considers new parking bylaws to cut stay times and improve turnover for businesses.

At a meeting of the Bandon/Kinsale Municipal District Council, Fine Gael councillor John Michael Foley asked officials to create spaces by buying land and reconfiguring cars parks to provide more spaces.

“Let’s engage directly with the community,” Mr Foley said. “There may be underused spaces, yards, or sites within the town that could help.

“We need to be ready. If an opportunity arises, we need to be able to act. That means having a capital funding stream in place. And it also means actively engaging with the Department of Transport, the Department of Rural & Community Development, the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, and the National Transport Authority to make sure Bandon is in the strongest possible position to secure funding.”

Talks are ongoing between the council and Bandon GAA Club, which is already providing 24 spaces, with the potential to increase this to 80.

“This is a positive step, and it also supports more active travel, with just a six-minute walk to Bandon Credit Union and the town centre,” Mr Foley added.

Social Democrats councillor Ann Bambury said 200 houses had recently been granted planning permission in Bandon and this will put more pressure on parking in the town centre.

“We need to continue the search for more land for car parks and not just increasing turnover at the ones we have,” 

Independent councillor Alan Coleman said.

The town is nearing the completion of multi-million euro regeneration projects, which have included flood-prevention works and upgrades to its sewage treatment plant, along with major transformation of its streetscapes.

During the disruption, businesses have suffered a noticeable fall in revenue.

Padraig Barrett, the senior council official for the area, said the council would continue to do its best to find more spaces and they are open to engaging with any prospective landowners who may have suitable sites for additional parking.

He said the council will also review existing car parks to optimise space.