Trevor Quinn
A CASTLEBAR business owner who is strongly opposed to the parking conditions imposed by Castlebar Town Council has said this week that the current charges are ‘outrageous’ and the Town Council should be encouraging business by lowering costs.
John Kelly, who runs his hairdressing business Kelly’s Barber Shop on Castle Street in the county town, appeared before Castlebar District Court where he was fined €65. He was appearing having received parking fines in two separate incidents on October 15 and 23 at Castle Street and Rock Square respectively.
The court heard that the barber shop owner is vigorously opposed to the fact that as a non-resident at the address he has to apply for a new permit on a monthly basis. Residents in the town centre can acquire an annual permit for €10 while businesses are obliged to pay €30 a month for parking privileges.
The court heard that Mr Kelly works in Castle Street six days a week and he requires parking in the Castle Street area on a regular basis. Defence solicitor Tom Walsh told the court that the defendant had applied to the Town Council on ‘numerous occasions’ for an annual permit but he had been refused every time.
He said this was most regrettable and he stated that it would be better for everyone if the Town Council accepted Mr Kelly’s fee for the annual permit adding, “In these constrained times I would have thought the Town Council should be glad to get an annual fee.”
Mr Walsh told the court that on October 23 extensive construction works were taking place at Castle Street where Mr Kelly had paid for a legitimate permit. He subsequently could not locate a suitable parking spot and he was forced to move his car to the Rock Square area where he received a second fine.
Speaking to The Mayo News Mr Kelly said: “If I was parked outside the Welcome Inn and I have to move my vehicle up outside The Mall I am expected to pay again. It’s outrageous. It’s just another form of taxation. What about businesspeople, we pay exorbitant rates and we don’t get any support. They should be encouraging business people to stay in business.
The court heard that Mr Kelly is a well-respected business owner in the town and he is ordinarily a law-abiding citizen. He felt that the fines imposed on him however had been unfair under the circumstances.
Judge Devins agreed that the penalties imposed on Mr Kelly were unfortunate adding that “It sounds a bit harsh”.
