New parking charge for Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park

Photo: A view of Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park.

A new paid parking system has been introduced at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, Moate in a bid fund “ongoing maintenance and enhancement” of the amenity.

The move announced on Facebook on Friday, July 24 last, came into force immediately and will see visitors coming by car pay €2 on exit. A car park pass for the remainder of the year can be purchased for €20.

Reaction to the charge for users of the park from now on was overwhelmingly positive on social media, with many locals saying they are lucky to have the park in the town, and they look forward to new developments that come on stream with the new income.

In a statement, the Board of the Directors of Midland Amenity Park said “the nominal fee of €2 per car per visit will really add up over time to provide a reliable source of funding to cover maintenance of existing facilities and also to fund new facilities at the park.”

Many of the park's main events at Easter, summer, etc which acted as fundraisers will not take place this year due to the Covid-19 restrictions and it's believed the parking income will compensate somewhat for that loss, and provide sustainable funds into the future.

“We have worked really hard together with our Pobal staff in consultation with our users to devise a system that is fair to all park users. Regular users can avail of an annual pass at a great price, €20 for the remainder of 2020. Application forms for this pass are available at reception. Patrons of The Pantry (cafe in the park) will also be entitled to concessions depending on the level of spend,” the statement issued to the Westmeath Independent on Monday detailed.

Among the features the public can enjoy along their walks through planted parklands, are a wetland reserve, a sensory and butterfly garden, sculptures as part of the Art in the Park initiative, mural features, and a fully equipped children’s playground.

Meanwhile, The Heritage park element at Dún na Sí steps back in time and brings you through rural Ireland in years gone by via a myriad of attractions, including a fisherman's cottage, a rural museum, a pet farm, an old-style forge, and farmhouse.

“We look forward to welcoming all visitors in the coming weeks and months as the country reopens to tourism following the unprecedented pandemic. We would like to assure all visitors that the highest standards of protection are being employed to ensure the health and safety of everyone,” the Board of Directors ended.