Ennis, Co Clare, rolls out pay-by-phone parking

3 Jul 2013

Drivers in Ennis, Co Clare, can now pay for parking via their mobile phones. Ennis Town Council has introduced ParkMagic, a new cashless payment method, making the town the third in Ireland to implement the system.

The ParkMagic system enables customers displaying a ParkMagic barcode window sticker in the windscreen of their cars to make parking payments via text message or phone call.

Traffic wardens use handheld devices to scan the barcode or input vehicle registrations to verify payment status.

The system will also send customers a text message notifying them when their payment is due to expire.

The ParkMagic system is already in operation in Cork City and Limerick City.

“The ParkMagic system uses mobile phone technology to simplify parking payments while also allowing greater access for the public and the overall efficiency of parking in the town,” said Leonard Cleary, town clerk.

“Cost savings will also be delivered to the council as the cashless system means less coin collections, as well as less wear and tear on Pay & Display machines.”

Drivers need to register with ParkMagic before using the system. This can be done by picking up a window sticker in any one of the designated outlets, including Ennis Town Council (Drumbiggle), Rowan Tree Café Bar, County Boutique, Willow, The Ennis Bookshop, Zest, Ennis Tourist Office, County Museum, Glór, Chamber of Commerce, Clare County Council, De Valera Library, Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, Credit Union, Main Post Office, and Market Place Post Office.

Customers can access their ParkMagic account online, where they can see all parking transactions and add credit using a credit or debit card.

They can also top up their account by phone. Each new customer receives €2 starter credit.

For more information, go to Ennis Town Council’s website or contact ParkMagic support on 0818-220107.

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com