St. Mary's Car Park - A Word of explanation

The observant among you will have noticed that a Pay-and-display machine has appeared in the car park at St. Mary's Church. Its appearance has caused some consternation, particularly among the many parents who avail of the facility to drop-off and pick-up their children in the local schools.

For the past number of years, we have had a growing problem with people using the car park as a park-n-ride facility. On occasion, up to 30 vehicles have been parked there from early morning till late evening, depriving churchgoers for funerals etc. of a place to park.

The parish property and finance committee have wrestled with this problem for some time, and after much consideration, have reluctantly decided to give over the management of the car park to a management company. The pay-and-display policy will operate Monday to Saturday from 7.00 am until 6.00 pm, and those parking during these hours will be required to display a valid ticket, or risk having their vehicle clamped or removed. Overnight parking is not permitted.

To facilitate the parents who drop off and collect their children, the machine will issue a free ticket for a 30-minute period.

During Mass times i.e. from 9.40 am to 11.00 am, NO TICKET WILL BE REQUIRED.
If Masses, and weddings etc. are at other times, the management company will be advised in advance and no ticket will be required.

We hope that you will appreciate the need for this policy. It is not a money-making scheme, rather an attempt to regulate a facility that has been much abused.

Philip Curran

St. Mary's & St. Patrick's Parishes