Loss of disabled parking spaces raising concerns

Local cllr claims Navan 2030 streetscape works have reduced designated bays

The need for additional disabled parking spots in Navan to replace a number lost in the Navan 2030 works has been highlighted by Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons who has also called on Meath Co Council to consider providing age friendly parking spots.

“We have lost a number of disabled parking spaces in the town, including one near Eddie Rockets and another at Metges Lane near the cinema. If Trimgate Street is pedestrianised, there will be no disabled parking sports in that central part of the town. We have lost at least three disabled parking spots,” he said.

“We need to prioritise where the disabled parking spots will be and they should be where they are most needed. There is one on Church Hill opposite the chemist, but that means the disabled person has to cross the road to get to the chemist, instead of having a space outside the chemist.

“People need to be able to access parking spaces where they can park safely and the spaces should be beside chemists, dentists and other important services. We need to be more mindful of where they are positioned.

“There has been fantastic work done around the town, but we don't want disabled parking facilities to be sacrificed as part of that work.”

Cllr Fitzsimons pointed out that we don't have age friendly parking in Navan.

“We need to look at the possibility of providing age friendly parking, but again, where they would be located would be very important. There would be no point for instance having them on the Fair Green, they need to be close to where people want to go.

“It is fine for those of us who are able to walk, but there are a lot of people who need to be parked near where they are going,” he said.

“I will to continue to work on locations where we can make sure that everyone has access to services and facilities when parking facilities are required.”

At a recent meeting of Navan Municipal Council, Cllr Fitzsimons was told that the Navan 2030 project is primarily focused on increasing accessibility for all to Navan Town Centre by Active Travel means and Public Transport in accordance with current transport policy and the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI).

He was told the council's Active Travel section will liaise with the Navan Municipal District and Community section to confirm where age friendly parking spaces close to essential services such as post office, pharmacies etc have been identified and if there is an opportunity to include these in the remaining contracts on Navan 2030. The provision of disabled parking spaces will be considered in the proposed Part 8 for Trimgate Street and in the detailed design for Church Hill and the Fair Green.