BYMICHAEL BRESLIN
Fermanagh District Council is demanding a multi-storey car-park and, at this week's monthly meeting, is prepared to bypass Roads Service, which are responsible for providing car-parking, to get one for Enniskillen.
The members were informed by the Chief Executive, Rodney Connor that a high-rise car-park had been raised at a meeting of High Street traders in Enniskillen, and that the need for a multi-storey car-park had been highlighted since, with requests for additional parking on the island of Enniskillen.
"It is accepted," he said, "there just isn't enough space on the island for further car-parking, and that the only way to provide it is with multi-storey car parking. I have raised it with the Roads Service and they have made it clear they will not provide a multi-storey car park, so the only way we're going to get one in the Enniskillen area is by involving the private sector."
Mr Connor was responding to Councillor Bernice Swift who had suggested that the Roads Service should look at the lack of car-parks in the town. She submitted there was a need for a multi-storey car-park.
Mr Connor then revealed he had spoken to the Strategic Investment Board about the possibility of involving the private sector.
"My understanding is there will be a meeting later this week between the Board and the Roads Service to discuss the issue and to see how they might bring the matter forward."
He said he hoped to be able to report on the outcome of that meeting to Monday night's meeting of the Development Committee.
He told Ms Swift: "I certainly agree with your concerns and I think we should be able to move forward and, hopefully, we will be seen as an examplar for this type of process in Northern."
Tom Elliott, UUP Assembly member, reported that an adjournment debate was down for car-parking in Enniskillen in the Assembly.
Yesterday, the 'Herald' received a complaint from a motorist whose vehicle was properly ticketed for Quay Lane North car-park in Enniskillen. But, because there were no frees parking bays, he had parked at the end of a line of bays. On his return to the vehicle, there was a Penalty Charge Notice attached to his windscreen.
"My ticket was only for one hour, so I would have been away by that time," the motorist told the 'Herald'. "I appreciate I shouldn't have parked where I was but in no way was I an inconvenience to other vehicles. I appealed to Roads Service in Omagh who turned it down and, so, I've had to send off a cheque for £30. For doing nothing.
"I'm angry, not as angry as I was at the time, but the sooner they sort out this car-parking thing the better.
"A multi-storey car park sounds good. By the way, the day I got the penalty notice, I was already covered for the cheaper car-park in Quay Lane South. I only parked in the dearer car-park as I had to call to make in Belmore Street."
