Pay parking options being explored as issues reported with local machines

Cork County Council intend to identify the ‘optimum model’ regarding the possibility of a card paying option for paid parking machines in Fermoy in the coming months, according to council officials.

News of this follows a motion tabled on the matter by local councillor William O’Leary at the Fermoy Municipal District meeting that took place recently.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr O’Leary noted that providing a card payment option at Fermoy town car parks would be for ‘everyone’s benefit’ and would make it easier for those purchasing parking tickets each day.

“The whole system at the minute just isn’t benefitting the consumer or Cork County Council. We have to upgrade it in the town centre as soon as possible,” he said.

Cllr O’Leary also went on to highlight reports of individuals who paid at ticket machines to purchase daily parking tickets, however, did not receive a ticket from the machine.

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has also been made aware of several instances, particularly in Mill Island car park where individuals have paid to purchase parking tickets, but never received the paper ticket from the machine and neither received their money back.

In response to the motion issued by Cllr O’Leary, Municipal District Officer Pauline Moriarty stated: “Considerable work has been done in researching the various options and in exploring the most feasible solution. The Council intend to identify the optimum model in the coming months.”

Several councillors supported the motion, with the options of payment through a downloadable mobile app also being highlighted as a possibility for the area.

Local councillor Kay Dawson supported the option of card payments, noting that since the Covid-19 pandemic, society has become more ‘cashless’. She also stated however, that she would also be in support of maintaining both cash and cash-free payment options.

Cllr Frank Roche concurred and advocated maintaining a cash option, noting that some elderly members of the community may have difficulty using mobile phone apps or bank cards for such payments.

Municipal District Officer Pauline Moriarty confirmed that various options are being explored on the matter.