North Mayo traders and council come to agreement on relocation of market stalls
Ballina councillors welcome arrangement to move market stalls in town's Market Square
North Mayo councillors have welcomed news that extra car parking spaces will be opened up in Ballina following an agreement between the local authority and casual traders.
The monthly meeting of the Ballina Municipal District heard that following discussions between council officials in Ballina and casual traders, an agreement was reached which will see traders relocate the market stalls onto the public realm on Market Square instead of using the car park space.
This arrangement was welcomed by local councillors who stated that the use of the car park for trading had resulted in less car parking spaces for shoppers in Ballina.
“It is great that it has been recognised that parking is the problem,” Cllr John O'Hara told the meeting. “People won't come if they hae no space to park.”
The Fine Gael councillor added that the traders did not need the space they have been taking up and people have room to get around to see them.
Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Annie May Reape commented that she did not think the arrangement would happen so fast but was delighted as it would free up the area.
“The amount of complaints we received over the years with people coming into town and going around in circles looking for parking. At Christmas time in particular it is horrendous. Anna [O'Connor, Head of the Municipal District] you and your staff talked to them and they moved fairly peacefully,” she said.
Fine Gael councillor Marie Therese Duffy welcomed the engagement between the council and the traders and added it was great to see car parking spaces freed up.