Peak time parking pile up outside Drogheda crèche

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The peak time parking chaos outside a Drogheda creche is leading to a “lot of angst in the local community”, according to a local councillor.

Speaking at the October meeting of Drogheda Borough District, Cllr. Eric Donovan called on the council to “install double yellow lines outside Pusgwash Bay creche and afterschool service and Figo Dojo martial arts building in Aston Green, Aston Village.”

In a motion submitted to Louth County Council, he said double yellow lines would “act as a deterrent to the ongoing vehicle pile up in the mornings which causes a lot of issues for local residents. There is plenty of parking in the area and people need to use it.”

He told the meeting that he had met with people living and working in the area, and the parking issues were causing significant problems.

"Everyone is in a rush in the morning, and it’s a case of just park at the door,” said Cllr. Donovan.

Louth County confirmed this would be investigated by the operations section “with a view to ascertaining the extent of the issue and any appropriate interventions.”

Director of Services, David Hanratty, said the council would be writing to business owners, asking them to remind customers and clients “to be mindful of all road users when parking their car.”

Cllr. Donovan said the crèche has already posted a sign on their door saying “no parking outside” but people were ignoring it.

"It is causing a lot of angst among the community, if double yellow lines were installed it would deter people and encourage them to use the ample parking that is available close by.”

Cllr. Declan Power said he appreciated the difficulties of the situation, but unless ‘no parking’ on the double yellow lines was enforced it might not be the best solution.

Mayor Michelle Hall added concerns that parking would be pushed out into neighbouring residential areas, which local residents would not want.