BIG READ: Tipperary council opens public consultation on county-wide parking changes

Residents of County Tipperary are set to have an opportunity to comment on major changes to parking charges and permit structures, with public consultation scheduled to begin early next year.

The council has outlined proposals designed to create a more consistent and equitable parking system across all nine towns in the county.

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The Harmonised Parking Bye-Laws 2026, as the proposals are formally known, represent a significant departure from the current approach, which involves nine separate parking systems.

The council has said the new framework aims to deliver a fair, modern, and uniform approach to parking, ensuring similar charges for comparable services across towns and supporting local town centres.

Under the proposed plan, the nine towns would be divided into three tiers, with charges reflecting the size and character of each town. Clonmel would form Tier 1, Thurles and Nenagh Tier 2, and Roscrea, Templemore, Tipperary Town, Cashel, Cahir, and Carrick-on-Suir Tier 3.

From September 2026, all towns would provide a formal 20-minute free parking period in short and medium-stay zones.

Councillor John Crosse has encouraged members of the public to submit feedback calling for a longer free period of one hour, highlighting ongoing debate over how best to balance convenience for shoppers with the council’s objective of encouraging turnover in town-centre parking spaces.

Parking charges would apply from 8.30am to 6.30pm every day except Sunday, covering both on-street and off-street parking, with off-street options expected to be cheaper to incentivise their use and reduce congestion on main streets.

In addition to changes in charges, the proposals include a comprehensive review of parking permits. The council plans to standardise permits across all towns, covering residents, older residents, visitors, students, carers, businesses, camper vans, and temporary permits.

Officials have also committed to producing clear and consistent maps of parking zones in all nine towns, a measure intended to improve transparency and make it easier for the public to understand the system and comply with regulations.

A further significant aspect of the proposals concerns the distribution of parking revenue. Currently, all income from parking charges is directed into the central council budget.

Under the new system, towns would retain a share of revenue above the 2023 baseline. The council has indicated that this revenue could be used to support local projects, initiatives, and developments in each town, ensuring that income generated locally has a direct benefit for the community.

This approach represents a potential shift in how the council balances county-wide budgeting with local investment priorities.

Tipperary County Council will make the draft Harmonised Parking Bye-Laws 2026 available for public inspection from 12 January 2026 for a period of one month.

Following this, there will be a further two-week period during which members of the public can submit comments and feedback. The council has emphasised that this consultation represents a key opportunity for residents to have their say on the structure, costs, and practical implications of the proposed parking system.

Councillor John Crosse has specifically urged residents to consider whether the initial 20-minute free parking period should be extended to one hour, reflecting local needs and preferences.

According to council officials, the proposed bye-laws are intended to support town centres by encouraging turnover and footfall in parking areas, provide equity by standardising charges for similar services across towns in each tier, ensure off-street parking remains cheaper than on-street parking, introduce a formal 20-minute free parking period in short and medium-stay zones, clarify and standardise permit categories and charging times county-wide, and provide clear mapping and information on parking zones across all towns.

The proposals are set to replace multiple existing regulations and bye-laws, streamlining the county’s approach to parking management. Subject to adoption, the new rules are expected to come into effect on 1 September 2026.

The Harmonised Parking Bye-Laws 2026 represent one of the most significant changes to parking in Tipperary in recent years. By aligning charges, permits, and regulations across all nine towns, the council aims to create a system that is simpler for residents and visitors to navigate while ensuring that revenue can be reinvested locally.

Public participation will be critical in shaping the final version of the bye-laws, with residents invited to provide feedback during the consultation period.

The outcome will determine whether the proposed 20-minute free parking period remains, whether charges for each tier are considered appropriate, and how local income will be allocated to support town-centre initiatives. Residents seeking more information on the proposals or wishing to make a submission will be able to access the draft bye-laws from 12 January 2026.

For further information, members of the public can contact Mary Murphy or Miriam Ryan on 0818 06 5000 or by email at: mary.murphy@tipperarycoco.ie;  or miriam.ryan@tipperarycoco.ie 

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