Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2018
297. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the National Transport Authority did not consult with companies (details supplied) on charges; if the matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13120/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the provision of the North Wall Coach Park is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), which has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA)
The purpose of providing a new coach park at North Wall was, in part, to address the issue of on-street parking of coaches in the city centre, particularly with regard to the Luas Cross City works and route. Due to numerous competing demands, the availability of kerbside space for coach parking is extremely limited in Dublin City Centre during business hours. Accordingly, the NTA, in consultation with (and including a signed Memorandum of Understanding) with the Coach Tourism Transport Council (CTTC), developed an off-street coach parking facility close to the city centre where coaches could layover during business hours, thereby freeing up on-street coach parking spaces for drop-off and collection purposes.
In light of their responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the National Transport Authority for a direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
