Ho Ho No: Environmentalists Write To Naas Councillors Urging Rejection Of Free Christmas Parking Plan

Monday, 8 December 2025 12:16

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

The group has written to Naas Municipal District members ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, urging them to reject a proposal to suspend pay parking from December 15th to 31st next year.

Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) has waded into the Christmas parking debate in Naas - telling councillors that “free parking” is climate-unfriendly and even bad for retailers.

The group has written to Naas Municipal District members ahead of tomorrow’s meeting, urging them to reject a proposal to suspend pay parking from December 15th to 31st this year.

FIE claims suspending parking charges would increase congestion and emissions, while encouraging commuters to take up spaces needed by shoppers - arguing that so-called “free parking” can actually hurt businesses.

It also says waiving charges would contradict Kildare County Council’s Climate Action Plan and reduce council income used to fund transport services.

The letter sent to Cllrs claimed that in some cases the suspension of parking fees was discontinued following legal advice.

"In several authorities, such measures have been subsequently discontinued following legal or audit advice recognising their inconsistency with statutory duties," the letter stated.

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