I recently attended a meeting addressed by Frank McDonald, an environment correspondent for The Irish Times, who pointed out that the State seems to be pursuing conflicting policies on multi-storey car parks. He stated that major tax incentives are given for the construction of such car parks while the authorities are trying to curb vehicle entry into the city. I am not sure whether multi-storey car parks, such as the one situated on Dawson Street, are a good idea if our aim is to reduce commuter traffic. Does the DTO favour the construction of these car parks?
SECTION 117.
Question proposed: "That section 117 stand part of the Bill."
Section 117 deals with tax provisions for facilities in the Temple Bar area. I served on Dublin City Council a number of years ago and it was argued that city centre retail space critically depends on adequate off-street car parking facilities. A demand was made by interests in which the Houses are situated to have off-street car parking put in place. If restrictions on on-street car parking were to be tightened, the only way to maintain retail activity in Grafton Street and adjacent areas and city centre theatre life was to provide off-street car parking. An enormous car park is situated under the Champs Élysee in Paris and similar situations obtain in Brussels and London. There is no unnecessary conflict. We must obtain maximum use of existing street space — something we do not do — which requires adequate policing and management.
Provision of off-street parking is not necessarily a contradiction. There is no proposal to restrict the number of cars which may enter and leave the city. However, people with discernible and measured trips are being encouraged to use public transport. Much of the retail and leisure activity, such as theatre going, depends on available secure car parking.
Question put and agreed to.