City commuters will soon be feeling the pinch when it comes to their transport costs, as CIE introduce a fee for their park and ride service.

The decision has been slammed as a "blatant rip-off" by Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, who said the move would be a blow to families already feeling the pinch of Brian Cowen's recession.

"This decision will do nothing to help Galway commuters who have no choice but to pay the charge and use the facility. While an extra €2 a day might not seem that much it builds up to an additional €500 a year in transport costs. It is a blatant rip-off.

"Commuters using stations such as Athenry often have no choice but to use the park and ride facilities and use public transport to get their places of work. Therefore, they will have no choice but to pay the additional charges. CIE know this and it is nothing short of cynical opportunism that they have imposed such an unfair charge.

"Many Galway commuters will already be feeling the financial pinch from the downturn in the economy and from spiralling oil prices. Some workers in these commuter towns might even be struggling with negative equity on their homes due to Brian Cowen's boom and bust economy. For these people an extra €500 a year in unavoidable transport charges is the last thing they need."

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