asked the Minister for Transport (1), (a) the cost of building the indoor multi-storey car park for Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta at Dublin Airport and (b) the amount collected in fees each year since this was erected; (2) the fees collected each year in the airports' outdoor car parks in each of the past five years; and (3) the reason air travellers must pay large fees to outdoor car parks and the reason they cannot use indoor car parks.
Written Answers. - Dublin Airport Car Parks.
184.
The indoor car park at Dublin Airport forms part of the overall terminal building complex and it is not possible to give a separate precise cost figure for the car park facility. The cost has, however, been estimated at £420,000.
The fees collected in respect of the indoor car park each year are as follows:
|
£ |
|
|
1973 |
11,000 |
|
1974 |
18,000 |
|
1975 |
45,000 |
The facility has been closed to the public for security reasons since November, 1975.
The fees collected in respect of the outdoor car parks at the three State airports for each of the past five years were as follows:
|
£ |
|
|
1975 |
183,000 |
|
1976 |
190,000 |
|
1977 |
254,000 |
|
1978 |
320,000 |
|
1979 |
403,000 |
In considering the level of charges in force at the airport car parks, I have due regard to a number of factors, including the level of charges at private commercial car parks and at other airports. Car parking charges at the three State airports are substantially below those obtaining at Heathrow and Glasgow airports and compare favourably with charges for private commercial car parks in the Dublin city area. I would also point out that the airport car parks are maintained to a high standard and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In all the circumstances I consider the level of charges for car parking at our airports to be reasonable.