New car parking charges will come in to place in Enniskillen from this Saturday, September 1. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council made the decision to scrap the £1 for five hour tariff that was in place in certain town centre car parks.

Car parks in Eden Street, Cross Street, Down Street and Market Street will see a 50p per hour tariff. Meanwhile Wellington Place car park, which is adjacent to Enniskillen castle, remains free, however 19 spaces will be identified as a maximum stay of only three hours.

The decision to raise car parking tariffs came up at several full council meetings and committee meetings. The conclusion to hike the prices was taken, it was said, after consultation with the local business community.

One of the arguments put forward was that it was difficult for shoppers to park in Enniskillen because there was not the turnover of car parking spaces that was needed, particularly in car parks located close to the centre of town.

The Council also stated that along with the price increase that it would monitor car parking at the Lakeland Forum to see if any changes were needed.