asked the Minister for Local Government the present number of registered motor vehicles in Dublin City and County, and the estimated number in the year 1972; and what steps are now being taken to provide within the next ten years ample off-street parking accommodation for those vehicles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Parking Facilities
88.
Mr. Ryan
There were 101,958 mechanically propelled vehicles of all classes under licence in Dublin city and county on 10th August, 1962, the latest date for which figures are available.
It is a function of Dublin Corporation and, in so far as they are concerned, the other road authorities in the Dublin area, to consider what steps should be taken to provide off-street parking facilities and for such purpose to estimate vehicle growth in their area. The Road Traffic Act, 1961, contains provisions which enable local authorities to provide, and to assist in the provision of, off-street parking facilities. Following the enactment of that Act, my Department issued a circular letter to local authorities advising them of their powers, urging them to survey the parking needs of their areas and even in the meantime to proceed with the acquisition of such sites as are available and may reasonably be expected to be suitable for car parks. They were advised that they could submit proposals for the use of Road Fund grant allocations for such purposes. Various aspects of the Dublin traffic problem, including the question of parking are the subject of discussions between officers of my Department, the Corporation and the Garda from time to time. Officers of the Corporation have undertaken a preliminary review of the parking question as it affects the central city and I understand that a report has recently been submitted to the appropriate Corporation committee. Grants have already been made available to the Corporation for the provision or improvement of off-street car parks at three sites. The Corporation are carrying out, in conjunction with officers of my Department and the Garda, an examination of the problems involved in parking meters. The use of parking meters is generally regarded as a necessary adjunct to the effective use of off-street parking facilities. The Corporation are taking other steps to deal with the problem, including securing provision for parking in conjunction with new building developments. In this connection the Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, which is at present before the Dáil, should be of assistance to the Corporation.