Closure fears at Buncrana store

A Buncrana man has said he could be forced to close his business because of a new parking clampdown in the town. The new ‘pay-and-display’ parking system is to be introduced next month. The scheme, which is intended to increase commerce in the town, is causing many buisness owners concern but one businessman has even gone as far to say that the current plans may lead to the closure of his premises. Joe McConnell, who runs furniture buisness on Main Street, believes that the council’s current plan not to grant permits to the traders on the street will have a significantly adverse affect on his custom. Mr. McConnell says that he depends on his service vehicles for loading and unloading stock and for making deliveries to customers’ homes. “I don’t think that I would be able to carry on a business here without a parking facility; I need my service vehicle on hand at all times,” said Mr McConnell, who has been running the business for 18 years and employs seven people. “For me to run my furniture business without my vehicles is like somone trying to run an ice-cream van without the van. “My customers need deliveries so I need my van, its as simple as that.” Mr McConnell had not anticipated that the new parking system would cause any problems for his business and it was only when he rang the council wondering how to get his permit that his worries began. “I pay almost €9000 a year in rates for my two premises and what am I getting for my rates? They don’t pay for my water, I pay for bin collection and my car tax pays for the roads.” The council have said that there will be a bit of discretion regarding delivery vans as long as they are not causing an obstruction for a long period of time. Other business owners are also worried that the immediate effect of charges after parking will discourage customers from making a brief stop at the shops. The plan was first proposed by the council in conjuncion with Buncrana Chamber of Commerce in order to ensure a good turnover of cars on the main street. Finding a parking space on Main Street is currently very difficult as most spaces are taken for the entire day by people working nearby. “We have followed suit from the other main towns in Donegal” said Town Engineer, Donal Walker. “We are not here to stem retail activity but to enhance and promote it.” The council have initally procured land to be used as car parks and the revenue generated from the pay-and-display scheme will be pumped back into that. “We do appreciate the concerns that the traders have and we will work with them,” added Mr. Walker, who explained that there was a public consultation period and that all areas covered by the new scheme can be viewed at the town council offices.