Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Vehicle Parking Regulations.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

431 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the number of cars taken away on the instructions of the Garda on the dates of the all-Ireland football and hurling semi-finals and finals in the vicinity of Croke Park; the location where the cars were taken; the charge for release of the cars in question; the number of cars with Galway registration plates involved on the dates in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

While the Garda Síochána tows away vehicles in circumstances such as those set out below, the primary responsibility for towing illegally parked vehicles rests with the Office of the Director of Traffic, Dublin Corporation, and questions in relation to any vehicles towed by the corporation's employees or agents are a matter for the corporation to address. I am informed by the Garda authorities that motor vehicles towed away on the occasion of major all-Ireland hurling and football matches are removed mainly for illegal parking. Primarily, the vehicles involved are parked dangerously at or on junctions, causing obstruction, blocking entrances resulting in restricted access for emergency vehicles or parked on footpaths.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the majority of vehicles towed are parked in the residential areas adjacent to Croke Park and are mainly the subject of complaint from residents to gardaí. Vehicles towed by gardaí are taken to the Garda pound at Infirmary Road. Vehicles towed by Control Plus on behalf of Dublin Corporation are taken to the Control Plus pound at New Wapping Street. The fee for the release of vehicles from either pound is £130. This fee is set by regulation made by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government who is responsible for all road traffic and parking legislation, including the regulations made thereunder. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that five vehicles in total with Galway registration plates were towed by the Garda on the dates in question, broken down as follows:

12 August, 2001	Nil
19 August, 2001	1
26 August, 2001	Nil
2 September, 2001	Nil
9 September, 2001	3
23 September, 2001	1