Pilgrims climbing Croagh Patrick this year will have to pay to park their cars at the foot of the holy mountain.Mayo County Council confirmed it has recently introduced an hourly fee for the Murrisk carpark which are ''part of the introduction of fees across the county.''
The fees, which have been dubbed ''pay and pray'' by locals, are expected to arouse criticism from pilgrims.
However, County Secretary, Tom Condon said there had been no complaints from members of the public about the new charges.
''People realise if you want to park you have to pay.''
Mr Condon said many people using the carpark did not climb the mountain but instead visited the Interpretive Centre or the nearby famine memorial.
''People who are going to park there can well afford it,'' Mr Condon, told The Irish Catholic, adding it would be a nominal fee.
An estimated 25,000 people climbed the mountain on Reek Sunday - traditionally held on the last week in July, while some 100,000 people now climb it throughout each year.
St Patrick is said to have spent 40 days and nights fasting on the summit in 441.
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(Source: IC)