O'Brien welcomes free one-hour parking in Tullamore

Independent Councillor Sean O'Brien has welcomed the decision to give one hour free car parking in Tullamore for July and August.

"At the last Tullamore Municipal Council meeting I proposed that there should be free car parking in Tullamore to encourage shoppers to come to the town centre and feel comfortable doing their shopping. I welcome the decision to give one hour free car parking in all public car parking spaces in Tullamore for the whole of July and August," said Cllr O'Brien (pictured above).

"Business in the town centre had suffered because of the streetscape works and were then forced to close due to Covid-19. It is essential that we do all we can to assist out town centre businesses and create a good town centre business environment."

Cllr O'Brien said people have commented "very favourably" on the completed town centre works, adding that it is great to see people sitting out on the new town centre seating in Colmcille Street, High Street and O'Connor Square.

"We need to assist our businesses in any way we can and I understand that the council is considering additional seating and table space for businesses to help with the new provisions required for social distancing. I welcome this as we want a vibrant Tullamore town centre, the feeling that the town is fully open for business," continued Cllr O'Brien.

"I would also encourage businesses to apply for the Restart Grant which is available through the Local Enterprise Office in the County Council. This grant will assist businesses who have been affected by closure or reduced business since April this year," he concluded.