Westport councillors divided over proposed parking charge increases: 'It's going to

Opposition grows among members, while others await public feedback and a workshop

By Jack Good Published 22nd Sep 2026, 20:00 BST Updated 22nd Sep 2026, 20:00 BST The current parking charges in the Hugh Street carpark | MN Opposition grows among members, while others await public feedback and a workshop Councillors on the Westport -Belmullet Municipal District are divided over proposed changes to parking charges in Westport, with several members declaring they will vote against any increase. The proposals are due to go before members next month.

Mayo County Council is accepting formal written submissions as part of its public consultation on proposed changes to parking charges across Westport town and Murrisk until September 29.

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The proposals, in their current form, would see some daily rates in Westport set to increase by as much as 300 percent. The changes, which have not been reviewed since 2018, would see hourly rates standardised at €1 across most zones — but it is the changes to daily rates, and the scrapping of the daily option in one of the town's busiest car parks, that are generating the most debate.

If adopted, the new charges would come into effect on January 4, 2027.

Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Mulroy, said he will be voting against the changes.

“I have from day one opposed parking charges in Westport,” he said. “I have been inundated with constituents giving me their opinion and how much extra it will cost them to park in Westport.”

“We also have a fantastic workforce in Westport who will have to pay extra to go to work, I feel we are taxed enough,” he said. “So to put it out clearly I will be consistent in my opposition to parking charges, I will be voting against any increase in parking charges in Westport.”

Read More Mayo council house left vacant for 962 days "People aren't building because they can't get finance" - pillar banks urged to lend to small developers North Mayo traders and council come to agreement on relocation of market stalls Mayo joins nationwide family courts solidarity walk Independent councillor John O'Malley also said he will vote against the measures, in keeping with his long-standing opposition to parking fees. He described the proposed daily rate for workers as 'outrageous', particularly for those on the minimum wage.

He also raised concerns about the lack of permit options on James Street and argued that Westport already collects more in fines than neighbouring areas.

In his view, the new charges would punish residents and commuters rather than provide a useful service.

Louisburgh-based Independent Ireland councillor Chris Maxwell said he too would oppose the increases, arguing that people are already paying enough in tax.

“The people are paying enough tax. It's going to cripple people too much and I won't be voting for it,” he said.

Fine Gael councillor Peter Flynn said he will not decide until he has seen the report on the public feedback on the proposals. “Until we see the full picture, I won't be making decisions. It's as simple as that,” he said.

Cllr Flynn also pointed to the funding pressures facing the town. “The big challenge I see is that right now we have no Christmas lights, and that's a big issue for the town,” he said. “And if the only option available is to get some funding by way of car parking charges, I'd certainly be considering that as an option.”

Read More Christmas could be darker in Mayo town without new lighting team Ballina comes together to plan for a bright and festive Christmas Dark Christmas ahead for Westport as Chamber of Commerce steps away Photos: Happy faces at Christmas lights switch-on in two Mayo towns Fianna Fáil councillors Seán Carey and Paul McNamara is also withholding his position until a workshop on the issue takes place.

Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle will be voting for the proposal and backed maintaining parking charges in order to keep vehicle turnover high.

He said this benefits local businesses by preventing vehicles from occupying spaces for long periods.

Cllr Coyle also acknowledged the financial strain on town workers arising from the removal of daily rates and the limited number of parking permits.

While turnover is essential for a thriving town, he said, a solution must be found to protect employees facing high living costs.

Members are expected to consider the proposed changes at next month's meeting of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District. Cllr Paul McNamara was contacted for comment.