I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 120 together.
The Deputy is aware that I have been considering introducing a charge for parking facilities within Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for some time, for the following reasons - :
- to assist in operating Howth Fishery Harbour Centre on a financially-sound basis
- to provide a source of revenue for further investments in Fishery Harbour Centre facilities
- as part of an overall traffic management plan to bring order to what has become a source of concern to the Harbour authorities and the emergency services.
- in order to maximise the return on this significant State asset
As I have said many times, Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour, one of 6 operated by the State, each of whose primary purpose is to provide facilities and services for the fishing industry and fisheries-related activities. Financing for the upkeep of those facilities comes from the ring-fenced Fishery Harbour Centres Fund, which is financed solely from the income generated by the Fishery Harbour Centres for use of their facilities. It is used exclusively for day to day operating, management and development costs and is the only source of revenue available for that purpose.
There has been significant capital investment in the Fishery Harbour Centres in recent years, underpinning both the fisheries side and their expanding use for leisure and marine tourism and other maritime enterprises. Howth has a long tradition in both areas. In the current economic climate, the State must be fully committed to maximising the return on its investment.
Moreover, my Department is required to ensure that the Fishery Harbour Centres are run on a financially sound basis. With over 500 parking spaces within the boundaries of the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre, it is clear that a significant source of revenue exists that could assist in balancing the books, and providing funding for enhancements that would not otherwise be possible.
As well as those directly involved in fishing, there are many other users of the fishery harbour–harbour business customers, yacht club members, sport fishermen, Dart users, tourists, walkers and many others. All of those users have to use the parking facilities of Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.
This combination of uses and wide range of users of the Harbour brings its own inherent dangers and it is essential that all users are accommodated as far as possible in a safe and secure facility.
Traffic and parking management within the Harbour itself has been an issue for some time, particularly in the light of concerns raised about safety and emergency access for the Coastguard, the Lifeboat service, and an Garda Síochána. There have been a number of occasions where the volume of cars in the Harbour and the resultant pressure on parking has led to a situation where emergency access has been seriously compromised. The Harbour authorities have received specific complaints from elements of the emergency services in that regard. Fortunately no serious incident has arisen yet.
Enabling works and upgrading works have been taking place in order to improve traffic management within the Harbour and a number of additional measures are being considered, only one of which is the introduction of pay parking. All aspects of health and safety within the Harbour are of course kept under constant review and must be paramount in the management of the Harbour.
My officials have consulted with officials of Fingal Council, with An Garda Síochána about this and other related matters, and my Department’s engineers have met some of the Harbour’s business tenants individually about new traffic management and road markings etc. My officials also attended a recent Harbour Users Forum where pay parking was on the agenda and heard the views of the harbour users at first hand.
The introduction of pay parking at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre was originally examined in detail in 2007 in the context of a proposed Howth Traffic and Parking Management Plan, in conjunction with Fingal County Council. There was widespread public consultation at that time and all of the various views that were expressed and submissions that were made then are still on file. I am well aware of and acknowledge their concerns. I am receiving new correspondence on this matter from a wide range of harbour users as well as those local community, business, residents, sporting or cultural organisations based in Howth, Dublin 13, listed by the Deputy. I am also aware that there is a website dedicated to countering the proposal.
I am reviewing all aspects of the matter at present. I can assure the Deputy that the views of the various harbour users, the potential earnings, the possible impact on the harbour businesses and recreational users, the impact on the local economy, the impact on overall traffic management within the Fishery Harbour, are all matters that I will take into account in coming to a decision. I can also assure the Deputy and all of the Harbour users in Howth that I am committed to continuing investment in and development of Howth.
