€200,000 in discretionary funding at risk because of suspension of pay parking in Monaghan town

Around €200,000 in discretionary funding is at risk because of the suspension of pay parking in Monaghan town due to Covid-19.

The Monaghan Municipal District Councillors heard no decision has been made on resuming the charges.

Pay parking was suspended in Monaghan town at the end of March, following the announcement that non-essential businesses were to close and people were to limit their movement outside the home.

Pay parking takes in an approximate €600,000 per year, with close to two thirds of that spent on the leasing and upkeep of carparks, and paying traffic wardens to enforce it.

The remaining money is put towards the development of the local area.

However, Councillors were told that this funding was removed from the schedule of works because there mightn’t be a surplus at the end of the year.

The Council Executive said €50,000 from that pot earmarked for Rossmore Park, as well as supports for other projects and events could be put on hold as a result.

Councillors were told at the most recent MD meeting that no date has been set for restarting charging for parking in the town, but it’ll be done in consultation with the members and the Monaghan Town Team.