Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
462. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that islanders whose only mainland vehicle is taxed as a “motor caravan” are not allowed free parking in the island reserved Department car park in Ros a Mhíl, Co. na Gaillimhe, on the grounds of health and safety, when they are allowed park in the adjacent Department public car park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41540/23]
View answerThe six Fishery Harbour Centres managed and maintained by my Department are working fishing centres and therefore caravans, converted commercials vans, and any vehicle equipped for living in, are not permitted to park overnight in car parks operated by my Department, due to the very serious health and safety risks associated.
My Department, in consultation with the three Island Committees, agreed to provide parking permits to permanent residents of the Aran Islands. A limited number of spaces in the Fishery Harbour Centre car park have been set aside as a permit parking area.
When the terms and conditions of the parking permit application process were decided, vehicles taxed as ‘Motor Caravan’ were not included as eligible under this process.
