Bothar an Iarainn is frequently used as a free parking facility by commuters using the Matthews buses at the Marshes Shopping Centre
Gardaí this afternoon began to clamp down on those illegally parking on Bothar an Iarainn by reportedly issuing fines to those parked there.
The road, also known as the Iron Road, links the Marshes Shopping Centre and the Tesco Extra megastore and Lidl shopping outlets and runs alongside the Dundalk Gaels GFC pitch.
It is frequently used by commuters who park their cars along it before getting the Matthews bus from the Marshes to Dublin.
This has caused frustration for other road users in recent times, however, as only a single lane of traffic is able to travel along the road at a time due to cars parked on either side.
In the past Gardaí have taken registrations and even towed vehicles but Talk of the Town understands that they began to issue fines to those who are parked there today – something which will come as a nasty surprise to those who return there later. Reports are that around 20 cars were targeted just before lunchtime.
Louth County Council has installed double yellow lines this year along the road but even prior to that parking was not permitted due to the solid white line on the road. This has not prevented commuters from parking here but perhaps a build-up of fines from the Gardaí will.
Last year independent local councillor Maeve Yore, from Blakely Close, said she had witnessed one accident on the road and seen a potential other one.
Commuters have been urged to use the council’s €2 a day long-term car park on the Rampart Road.
Secure parking operated by The Marshes is also available to Matthews’ regular commuters at a monthly rate of €30, while part-time parking is also available for €20 for any 20 days entry and exit. People can arrange parking passes in advance by contacting the Marshes Car Park office on 042 9395240. The designated parking area is in Car Park 3.
Talk of the Town 