There have been calls for a temporary pause on parking charges in Galway city due to complications with how fees can be collected at on-street meters.
Galway City Council has said an issue with the operation of the meters at present means motorists can only pay charges through a new online payment system.
It follows changes this week to the manner in which parking can be paid for in designated areas.
As of yesterday, parking meters no longer accept payments from credit or debit cards.
Instead, motorists have the option of using cash payments; paying via a new dedicated mobile phone app or through a specific website.
But the cash option is not available at present, due to what the council describes as circumstances beyond its control.
In a statement, the local authority said it was awaiting the outcome of a judicial review, sought by an unsuccessful tender bidder, after it sought operators for the supply of payment and maintenance services last year.
The council said it can make no further comment on the matter as the issue is subject to court proceedings.
It is understood the previous contract to operate the meters ended this week.
In today's statement, the council said the machines would be out of order until further notice.
In the meantime, those parking at council sites are asked to pay their parking charges online, by telephone or at Payzone retail outlets.
The problem with cash payments comes a day after the option to use debit or credit cards at parking meters was discontinued.
Signage has been placed on meters informing motorists that "all card payments must be made using the Galway City Parking app".
There has been no increase in the cost of on-street parking and those who use the app are not subject to any additional charges.
When the initiative was launched last month, the city council said it would reduce costs associated with the maintenance of equipment, as well as those linked to the collection of cash from meters.
The move is described as part of an ongoing series of efforts aimed at increasing the number of services offered to the public online.
The app and an associated website are being provided in conjunction with the Payzone company and its 'ParkMagic' subsidiary.
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Labour Councillor Niall McNeilis said the issue with the meters would have serious implications for both the council finances and the city's economy.
He wants all charges to be rescinded until the machines are fully operational.
"The current situation makes it very complicated for shoppers we are trying to attract to the city, as well as residents and workers who depend on parking spaces across town each day," he said.
Cllr McNeilis pointed out that businesses in the city had only been hit with a 6% commercial rate increase and said the council had to do better when it came to providing vital services.
Parking revenue is a significant funding source for Galway City Council. Accounts for 2023 show the city coffers were boosted to the tune of over €4 million as a result of charges and fines accrued that year.
This evening, the council said it would offer a "grace period" until Monday week, during which no fines will be issued for non-payment of parking fees.
The council said that that from 20 January, motorists will have to "ensure they are familiar with a range of alternative payment options".
It is unclear if the cash option will be available again by that time.
Meanwhile, the UTS company which operated the machines until this week has claimed the disruption could have been avoided if Galway City Council opted to have the meters maintained while its legal action over the tender process is ongoing.
