Free parking day in Athlone this weekend

Motorists will be able to enjoy free parking in council car parks in Athlone this Saturday, October 1.

At the September monthly meeting of Athlone Municipal District, its manager, Pat Keating, said the free parking was being offered to coincide with the Fashion Trail which taking place in the town on Saturday.

The Fashion Trail event will involve Athlone retailers hosting free pop-up fashion shows and is due to be covered by some of the country’s top fashion bloggers.

The free parking suggestion was unanimously approved by the members of Athlone Municipal District, and Cllr Paul Hogan also suggested the number of free parking days which are offered in the lead-up to Christmas should be increased to bring the town in line with Mullingar.

Mr Keating confirmed Mullingar had five 'free parking’ days in 2015, while Athlone had just two.

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke suggested there should be free parking in Athlone from Saturday, December 17, right through to Christmas Eve this year.

However, no final decision was taken at the meeting on the free parking arrangements that will apply in the town in December.