Substantial losses at Enniscorthy Car Park

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Car parking has always been a contentious issue in Enniscorthy town, however, figures released recently show that the car park at Mill Yard Lane, also known locally as the Clinic Car Park has been operating at a substantial loss to Wexford County Council.

The matter had been raised at a recent meeting of Wexford County Council, but a statement from Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services at Wexford County Council was circulated at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

“This car park has been in place for a number of years at a cost of €22,500 per annum rental. The total income for the year 2022 was €4,327 representing a loss of €18,173.

“The total income for the year 2023 was €2,499.40 representing a further loss of €20,000.60.

“The income for the year 2024 (January to May inclusive) was €968.30 representing a loss over these five months of €8,406.70.

“As can be seen from the figures presented, the losses based on income over rental cost are significant.

“The occupancy of this car park is extremely low. The actual numbers using the car park (8.30am to 6.30am) is approximately three cars over the busiest five-hour periods or fourteen or fifteen cars per day.

“The Mill Yard Car Park is currently in poor state of repair. If Wexford County Council was to continue use of the car park, then the current rough, uneven surface should be repaired and surface dressed. Public lighting should also be considered.

“In its current format, with the current rental cost and current low usage, it does not make sense to continue with this site,” concluded Mr. Hore.