Lack of parking in the town is forcing shoppers to go elsewhere

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has expressed her disappointment this afternoon (Wednesday) at the news that the Marks & Spencer store in Dun Laoghaire is to close as part of a strategic review of the company nationally.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said the lack of parking in the town has without doubt played a part in the volume of traffic shopping at the store, saying a resolution to the problem needs to be found before more retailers are forced to shut up shop.

“The news that the M&S Simply Food store in Dun Laoghaire is set to close in ten days’ time is shocking and my thoughts are, first and foremost, with the staff who will bear the brunt of this decision.

“There have been a significant number of shop closures in Dun Laoghaire in recent years and it is no secret among the local community that the lack of parking spaces in the town is forcing shoppers into the arms of retailers that have ample space and that provide free parking. In the instances that parking spaces can be found in Dun Laoghaire, the astronomical costs attached to hourly rates is acting as another disincentive to shoppers, who opt instead for the hassle and charge free options that are available on Pottery Road and further afield.

“A taskforce has been set-up to look at ways to address the issue and the Dun Laoghaire Business Association and the Dun Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in seeking to resolve the problem. In September we will see the appointment of a new County Manager who will have to give this issue his/her full attention in a bid to addressing the needs of local shoppers and securing the future of retailers in the area.”

Mary Mitchell O’Connor

Wednesday, 7^th August 2013