Parking shortages

The matter was discussed at this month’s Metropolitan Council meeting. Fine Gael councillor Frank Quinlan sought an update on the long-discussed Michael Street regeneration project and questioned why the nearby multi-storey car park remains closed.

According to Councillor Quinlan, parking has become a major challenge for shoppers, workers and visitors. He told the meeting there is a real issue with capacity and said the shortage is actively discouraging people from coming into Waterford city.

“People also have a perception that parking in the city is expensive,” he said. “That is not true when it comes to council-owned parking.”

Call to reopen New Street facility

Councillor Quinlan stressed that the New Street multi-storey car park should reopen without further delay. He said the current stage of the Michael Street redevelopment should not prevent the council from making use of an existing city-centre facility.

“Having more parking spaces available will attract people back into the city,” he said. “This car park would remain unchanged despite any proposed development works.”

He said he could not understand how such a valuable asset has remained idle for so long. In his view, leaving the facility closed for several years makes little sense when parking demand continues to rise.

The councillor also pointed to the car park’s central location. He described it as being a stone’s throw from shops and commercial premises in the heart of the city centre.

“Reopening this car park would make a real difference,” he said. “It is a simple step that would support local businesses and help bring people back into Waterford city.”

Support from other councillors

Independent councillor Joe Kelly supported the call for action. He said there is no logic in keeping the facility closed while the city struggles with a lack of parking spaces.

“There is no sense in keeping this car park closed when there are critical parking shortages in the city,” Councillor Kelly said.

Council response

Responding to the discussion, Director of Services for Economic Development Michael Quinn acknowledged that the Michael Street redevelopment has taken far longer than originally planned. He said the extended timeline contributed to the current situation.

Mr Quinn told councillors that the New Street car park faces several technical and structural challenges. These include flooding issues and outdated electronic payment machines that would need replacement.

He also said the entire car park would require reconfiguration to meet modern standards, adding that this explains why the facility has not been brought back into use more quickly.

“That is why it has not been reopened,” Mr Quinn said.

Looking ahead, he said he hopes to have further news for councillors in the early part of next year.

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