asked the Minister for Local Government the total area of car park facilities provided by public authorities in Dublin city other than sites made vacant by the demolition of buildings since 1960.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Parking Facilities.
10.
I am advised by Dublin Corporation that since 1960 they have provided accommodation in off-street car parks for approximately 300 cars on sites not made available by the demolition of buildings. I understand further that, in all, accommodation for about 3,500 vehicles is at present available in car parks provided by the corporation, most of them on sites which are temporarily available pending development for other purposes.
Does the Minister think the car parking space is adequate to meet the increasing number of cars on the Dublin streets at the moment?
No.
Are any steps being taken to cope with it?
That was not the question asked.
11.
asked the Minister for Local Government the amount expended in the last five years on the provision of public car parks in the city of Dublin.
I am advised by Dublin Corporation that in the five years up to 31st March last, they incurred expenditure of £25,211 8s on the provision of off-street car parks.
12.
assked the Minister for Local Government if parking meters will be introduced to this country; if so, when and where; what is the estimated revenue from these meters in their first year of operation; and if he will give an assurance that all such revenue will go to provide parking lots.
The Road Traffic Act, 1961, empowers the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, after consultation with the local authority concerned, to make bye-laws with my consent for the regulation and control of parking. Such bye-laws may specify the parking places in which parking is to be subject to the payment of fees by means of parking meters. I understand that the Garda Commissioner is at present preparing bye-laws which would provide for the regulation of on-street parking in the central city area of Dublin by means of parking meters and hopes to have a scheme in operation next Spring. I understand that details of the fees to be charged, which will be fixed by Dublin Corporation, have not yet been settled. The question of the disposition of the revenue is also under consideration.
I am not aware of plans for the introduction of parking meters in any area other than Dublin.
13.
asked the Minister for Local Government what plans Dublin Corporation have for the introduction of off-street parking.
14.
asked the Minister for Local Government what plans he or the local authorities have for the introduction of multi-storey parking units in the principal cities and towns.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The provision of car parks is a matter for the local authority concerned and my Department is concerned only if a grant from the Road Fund is sought or a loan is to be raised to meet the cost.
I understand that Dublin Corporation's policy on the provision of off-street car parks, including multi-storey car parks, will be determined in the light of the report on parking which will be submitted to them shortly by their traffic consultant.
As far as I am aware there are no specific proposals for the provision of multi-storey car parks under consideration in respect of other areas.