Parking changes could be a 'seismic blow' to future of tourist town in Tipperary

A public meeting has been called for Cahir House Hotel at 8pm this Friday to discuss what the organisers say is the threat to free parking in the town due to Tipperary County Council's plans to harmonise parking charges throughout the county.

Tom Hennessy, who has organised the meeting says "Cahir, with its magnificent castle and its vibrant town centre, faces what could be a seismic blow to its future.

"With a vote to be taken in the next few weeks by councillors, the current time of two hours free parking will be reduced to just twenty minutes. Not only that, but people will also face the hassle of having to go to a machine and typing in their registration plate, and returning with a ticket to their car before going about their business.

"In 2024 in the local elections I first raised the threat of this after speaking with, among others, business owners Bill and Breda Lonergan of the lovely Favourite shop in Cahir. We set up a written petition at Bill and Breda's shop and I set up an online petition. Last Friday was the final day for submissions and at 3pm Breda and I lodged just under 3,000 signatures to Tipperary Council's offices in Clonmel.

"This number is a credit to the business owners of Cahir and locals who are now rallying in the face of this threat to Cahir's future.

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"Recently a large number of the shop owners of Cahir gave me some excellent videos that are on my Facebook page and my Tik Tok page @tipperaryfenian.

"All four Cahir LEA councillors have been invited to the public meeting that I have called. In my opinion it is really important that the ordinary people of Cahir and the surrounding areas are listened to and I hope we can succeed in holding on to free parking in Cahir.

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"The petitions are still open to sign, both online and in various shops. Friday's meeting is only about the threat to parking in Cahir and we ask all to respect this.There are car stickers and shop window stickers available at The Favourite shop and I thank David and staff at Cahir House for hosting our meeting at short notice.

"I urge as many as possible to attend".