Consider reopening car parks across Mayo

MAYO County Council, in conjunction with the gardaí, have been asked to consider the reopening of car parks currently closed across the county.

The matter had been raised with Independent Councillor Mark Duffy by a concerned doctor at Mayo University Hospital who stated that the decision was not in line with public health advice or implemented in any other jurisdictions internationally, and they had asked if a request could be made to reopen the car parks.

Councillor Duffy, at the council's monthly meeting yesterday (Monday), asked if the chief executive could discuss it with the HSE and gardaí.

Public parks and recreational areas are vital spaces to allow people to exercise for both their physical and mental health, he said, and a consideration on reopening car parks would be well received by those affected.

Interim chief executive Peter Duggan said the council is working with the gardaí in relation to public spaces. If they felt there were issues about people congregating and travelling outside their 5k restrictions, they would work them.

It was on that basis that the decision had been made.