SHOPPERS IN LIMERICK will be allowed to park their cars for free from 3pm in the run-up to Christmas, but drivers in the capital will not be as lucky.

Limerick City and County Council today announced details of a new parking incentive aimed at increasing footfall on the streets of Limerick City and the County towns of Kilmallock, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale this Christmas.

Under the scheme, entitled “Free From 3″, parking at all on-street spaces will be free from 3pm from Thursday, 3 December, to Christmas Eve.

Liam Galvin, the Mayor of the council, says the scheme “will be very much welcomed by both local retailers and the public alike”.

However, drivers in capital will still have to pay for parking as normal, the council confirmed to TheJournal.ie.

Instead, the council will give away shopping vouchers to those who use the city’s parking tag, which accounts for 35% of the council’s parking revenue.

“Dublin City Council runs a parking promotion every December because we want to encourage people to come into the city centre over the festive season to shop, socialise and do business,” says Kevin Meade, head of Dublin City Council’s parking section.

In Galway, the council says it is not encouraging more cars into the city, but a spokesperson told TheJournal.ie is offering a park and ride service.

We are not planning on encouraging more cars into the city centre but instead offer a great park and ride deal from Ballybrit straight in to the city centre from early morning until late in the evening.

Representatives from Cork and Waterford cities have not responded to a request for comment.

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