After Big-Ticket Investments, Athy Locals Won't Get Free Christmas Parking This Year

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 10:29

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Naas councillors yesterday voted in favour of free parking during the Christmas period in council-run car parks.

Significant public investment in Athy has ruled out free parking for Christmas in council run car parks this year.

Labour Councillor Aoife Breslin said considerable funding has been spent on major projects including the Food Hub, the redevelopment of Emily Square and the Shackleton Museum.

She said there is no other town in Kildare currently receiving the same level of investment.

She said the issue was examined last year, when a limited suspension of parking fees for an hour or two was considered.

That idea could not proceed due to a lack of technology.

Naas councillors yesterday voted in favour of free parking during the christmas period in council-run ca rparks.

The motion was passed by Cllrs Bill Clear, Seamie Moore, Evie Sammon, Carmel Kelly, and Ger Dunne.

It was voted against by Cllrs Fintan Brett and Ann Breen.

More from Local News

Vulnerable People And Those With Disabilities In Kildare Left Waiting A Year For Basic Advocacy Support

The 2024 Annual Report describes the situation as a postcode lottery, with Kildare listed among the counties where waiting times are longest due to high demand and unchanged staffing levels.
Case Studies: How A Recreational Drug Ended In Hospital For Young People Using Laughing Gas

A new report shows that 18 young people at Tallaght University Hospital have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder caused by inhaling nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”.
Kildare TD Criticises "Press Release" Politics As 18,000 Children Await Assessment Of Need

In Kildare, almost 1,500 children are waiting for occupational therapy, with close to 1,600 waiting for speech and language therapy.
Kildare Among Worst Affected Counties As 54,000 Lose Power Nationwide

Met Éireann’s Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings remain in place, and ESB Networks says further outages are likely as conditions continue to change.
Majority Of Councillors Vote To Suspend Pay Parking In Naas During Christmas Period

Audio

Councillor Bill Clear said free parking will operate via a hybrid system. He said that offering free parking helps local businesses and can influence whether residents shop at their local bookstore or choose to buy books on Amazon instead.
Children's Minister Announces Reforms Of Assessment Of Need Process, Admits System Is Broken

Audio

Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall said that "without the structures in place, this will not be worth the paper it’s written on".
Council Refers Kilcock–Maynooth Shuttle Bus Suggestion To NTA For Consideration

The proposal, put forward by Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose, calls for a morning and evening service to allow commuters to connect with Maynooth rail services.
Almost 2,000 Residents In Athy Currently Affected By Power Outages

Customers in Moneycooley and Blake are also without power