Here’s a nice incentive to get your Christmas shop done early.

In association with Cork Business Association, Cork City Council is introducing free late night parking in both publicly owned car parks in a bid to lure more shoppers into the city.

The news comes as city traders argue that the St Patrick Street driving ban, which limits the road to buses, taxis, bicycles and emergency vehicles between 3pm and 6.30pm every day, has led to a drop in business.

@corkcitycouncil is introducing FREE late night parking in Paul St car park 5pm-12am and in North Main St car park 5-9.30pm from Nov 18 to Jan 12 every Thurs- Sat night! Great news for those who want to shop and dine in the city in the evenings! #corkcityshopping pic.twitter.com/4ePbIxSzWj

— Cork City Shopping (@corkshopping) November 12, 2018

From November 18th, 2018 to January 12th, 2019, parking in Paul Street Car Park will be free of charge from 5pm-12am from Thursday to Saturday.

In North Main Street Car Park, it will be free to park from 5pm-9.30pm from Thursday to Saturday.

As if we needed an excuse for a browse on Opera Lane after work followed by dinner and a movie.