BY AILEEN MURPHY
The Enniskillen Workers Protest Group (EWPG) who mounted a petition at three car parks in the town on Friday morning, have spoken about their success.
The group aims to highlight the proposals to change Queen Street from a free car park to 'pay and display'. And, there are similar fears over the car parks at Wellington Road and Castle Park.
Gerard Cassidy, the Group's secretary described support from public and from elected representatives as 'outstanding'. The group have already collected over 600 signatures on their petition, with many forms still to be returned to them.
Mr Cassidy explained: 'We had a number of politicians who came to support us, and we are indebted to them. It is good to see our elected representatives standing shoulder to shoulder with the workers."
He also acknowledged the support which came from Fermanagh Council of Trade Unions.
Mr Cassidy said the Group intended to continue their campaign to oppose the charges, with other petitions and protests to follow in the coming weeks.
"Friday proved we have the support of the people and that has in fact re-energised the group. Now we intend to keep the momentum going. It was a joy to be out there and see people being so receptive and supportive," he added. To lend your support to the workers, email, secretary@ewpg.co.uk.
SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative Tommy Gallagher MLA attended Friday morning's protest. He described plans to introduce charges at these car parks in Enniskillen as ill-advised and inappropriate.
Mr Gallagher has now tabled an Assembly motion in order to have the Department of Regional Development (DRD) proposals discussed by MLAs.
He said: "I strongly disagree with these plans. They will hit hundreds of motorists in the pocket, and I would urge the Department to reconsider this ill-advised scheme.
"These car parks are used largely by the Civil Service and Housing Executive employees, among others who already spend a lot of money to travel long distances to their work. Many of these workers will be on the lower end of the pay scale, and it is not fair to ask them to pay more.
Sinn Féin MLA Michelle Gildernew also offered her support for the protest campaign. She and Fermanagh Councillor, Domhnall Ó Cobhthaigh met with a representative of the protest group to discuss their concerns and identify a way forward.
After the meeting, Ms Gildernew said: "The proposals are unfair to workers who are already struggling to keep up with rising bills and stealth taxes.
"The issues in Enniskillen are of course much wider than simply the problems around parking. We need to find solutions to the full range of traffic problems afflicting the island town, including the inadequacy of current parking provision, the lack of public transport and inappropriate traffic management and control.
"Enniskillen needs something like a strategic traffic management plan. The approach Roads Service has taken to date is inadequate. I have already received a response from the Minister, Conor Murphy in relation to this, and I understand his Department are now awaiting a response from Fermanagh District Council before reviewing their proposals."
Arlene Foster, Environment Minister added her support: "I have asked the Minister responsible for roads and for town car parking facilities to look at the problems we are facing in Enniskillen. I have attended meetings and spoken to representatives from EWPG about the difficulties facing them on a day to day basis at all the car parks in Enniskillen. I have also listened to the traders and to their concerns"
Speaking about her own personal experiences, Mrs Foster concluded: "I share the concerns of all who are trying to get through the town and park. My office is on Belmore Street, and to park near to my office, for any time, is proving difficult. Equally, the nearest paying car park is often full. I have sent the petition which was given to me by residents and business owners in Belmore Street to Conor Murphy, and I look forward to his response on this issue and in resolving car parking issues in general."
