asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the continual double and treble parking of motor vehicles in front of Pearse Street Garda Station, Dublin, and of the prolonged parking of cars which have been stolen, or which are under investigation in front of these premises; if he is further aware of the considerable public criticism of motorists in regard to this particularly when no parking tickets are issued in respect of such vehicles; and if he will as a matter of urgency arrange for adequate car parking for the members of the Garda Síochána employed in this station and for a pound area in the city centre to which such cars can be removed pending investigation.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers - Car Parking at Dublin Garda Station.
25.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, because of the pressure on the limited parking space available at Pearse Street Garda Station, double parking of motor vehicles has occurred from time to time and, occassionally, treble parking. The vehicles involved have included both official Garda vehicles and vehicles belonging to the public. I am informed that it is not correct to say that there is continual double and treble parking.
There are 16 official vehicles attached to the station and, of necessity, these are from time to time parked outside. Gardaí from other areas who in the course of their official duties have occasion to call to the station necessarily park there also. Members of the public occasionally park near the station when calling there on business. While, additionally, stolen cars which have been recovered and cars which are otherwise under investigation are parked in this area to facilitate investigations, every effort is made to ensure that they are not kept there any longer than is necessary.
Unfortunately, the parking problem at Pearse Street Station admits of no easy solution, as there is no space in the immediate vicinity which could be used for off-street parking. The Deputy will appreciate that to enable the Garda to carry out their duties it is essential that there should be some parking of official vehicles outside the station. However the Garda authorities will do their best to ensure that this parking is restricted to what is necessary and that double or treble parking is avoided. Arrangements have recently been made by the Garda to the effect that where stolen or other vehicles brought to the station for investigation cannot be dealt with speedily, that is to say, within a matter of hours rather than days, they will be taken elsewhere until inquiries are completed.
Does the Minister propose to provide the Garda in Pearse Street with a car park so that they may park their own cars?
The Garda are very anxious to find off-street parking and are making every effort to do so.
Does the Minister intend to provide some kind of car park for the Garda in Pearse Street where they can park their own private vehicles which are a contributory factor to the problem?
That is a contributory factor. However, if the members of the Garda park their own cars there, they are probably parking them illegally. A circular has been issued to all members of the force to observe parking regulations. If not, they will be dealt with in the ordinary way.
It is not the worst parking place in the city.