A TEMPORARY car park has opened in the centre of Abbeyfeale ahead of the Christmas rush, amid further calls for action on a nearby protected building to support long-term regeneration.
Local councillor Liam Galvin said the car park, which opened close to Goode’s Pharmacy, will operate on a temporary basis over the festive period as part of wider traffic-management arrangements in Abbeyfeale.
He confirmed works are expected to get under way early in the new year to deliver a permanent car park on the site.
Cllr Galvin said the additional parking is a significant boost for the town at a critical time for local businesses, describing it as a practical step to improve accessibility and encourage footfall in the town centre.
“This gives Abbeyfeale a chance to be busy and active over Christmas,” he said, adding that the town has strong retail and hospitality offerings but needs the right infrastructure to support them.
Read More: WATCH: Minister Patrick O Donovan speaking at the re-opening of Askeaton pool and leisure club
Looking beyond the temporary arrangement, the councillor said attention must now turn to a building known as ‘Daly’s building’.
“It should have its protected status reviewed, be demolished and rebuilt to allow for a modern and wider town-centre improvement. arguing that it is preventing meaningful redevelopment of the area.”
He added that the car park presents an opportunity not just to ease congestion, but to act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Abbeyfeale’s core.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW