Debate over changes to disability parking time limits in some areas of Kilkenny

A driver with a blue badge disability parking card has hit out at what he perceives as an ‘unfair’ element of new parking rules in Kilkenny.

Pat Coughlan claims that recently enacted changes to parking laws in Kilkenny, specifically at the Market Yard car park, means that he can no longer park for free if his parking stay lasts for more than two hours.

He stated that this previously wasn’t an issue for him.

“The provision of free parking for disabled individuals has been a significant step towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society,” he said.

“The availability of free parking for disabled individuals has been a significant factor in enhancing their mobility and independence.

“By reducing or eliminating this support, individuals with disabilities may face additional challenges and barriers to their daily lives.”

Kilkenny County Council, when queried, stated that there are ‘a finite amount of accessible bays available in Kilkenny City and there has been significantly increased demand for these spaces’.

“We have been advised that some of these spaces which are amongst the most conveniently located in the city centre were being used unnecessarily for prolonged periods,” the council said.

“The consequence of this is reduced availability of convenient accessible parking spaces for other blue badge holders.

“We have therefore introduced a 2 hour limit on accessible bays in some of the more convenient city centre locations to ensure turnover and greater availability of spaces for all blue badge holders.

“It should be noted that blue badge holders can park free of charge in pay and display areas - many of which have no time limit on parking.

“We have also facilitated blue badge holders parking on High Street between 0800-1900 Monday to Saturday whereas other drivers can only avail of set down. 

“It should also be noted that maximum duration stays of one or two hours apply to all central on-street parking areas in the city.  In areas where the maximum duration stay is one hour we have facilitated blue badge holders parking for up to two hours.”

The local authority also recommended that blue badge holders familiarise themselves with the parking facilities available to them in privately operated car parks.