The recently formed Youghal branch of the Labour Party has expressed its strong opposition to the proposal by the Youghal Town Council to introduce charges at car parks in the town. The branch, which includes local Cllr. Dony Daly, also stated their support for the closing of Mall Lane to traffic. By Michael Twomey | Photo: Michael Hussey YoughalOnline.Com

Both issues have divided public opinion since they first came to the fore prior to the local elections back in 2004. Branch Chairman, Tommy O’ Connell said the party has viable options that could resolve both issues.

On paid parking Mr. O’ Connell said. “We are totally against paid parking in public parks. However, we do believe there should be a limit on the amount of time that people should be allowed to park there. You have some people who park their cars and leave them for the entire day. A time limit would prevent that from happening,” he said. Asked if it was legitimate for the Council to try and raise funds through paid parking in a time of recession, Mr. O’ Connell responded that, in this instance, the end does not justify the means. “We understand the current situation and all councils are trying to raise extra finance. Youghal has lost most of its industry and our only hope now is turn to tourism and heritage. We believe that if the parks have a charge on them it will not encourage tourism. A promise was made by the Town Council when paid parking was first brought in not to charge public parks,” he said. He also cited Midleton’s continuing policy not to charge for parking in their jurisdiction stating that the council there manage to raise revenue ‘by other means’. He added, “Financing local government should be a national issue.”

On the issue of closing the Mall Lane to traffic, Mr. O’ Connell offered two alternative routes that he said not only would resolve the debate but are also ‘safer’ options. “The Mall Lane is just not suitable for traffic. It’s a popular route for families using the Mall strand. As a pedestrian route it’s dangerous for elderly people. The Labour Party propose opening either Water Lane or O’ Rahilly Street as routes for traffic to come back onto the main street. Both these street have footpaths which Mall Lane doesn’t and that makes them safer options,” he said. He added that opening one of these lanes to up traffic flow would also negate the fears of residents on Strand Street who have long campaigned for footpaths and have legitimate worries about increased traffic should Mall Lane close.

Previous similar proposals for these two lanes have met with opposition from some voices within the Council chamber on the grounds that neither are suitable as routes to the main street due to a lack of clear vision to the left of oncoming vehicles.  The debate in the meantime is set to rumble on inside and outside the Council chamber.