Parking Regulations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2012

Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Ceisteanna (136)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

136. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends to make provision to allow for the partial review of local authority parking by-laws; if such an arrangement is possible under the Local Government Act of 2001 either in respect of the powers granted to local authorities or by statutory instrument; if he is considering such a proposal with the aim of reducing administrative costs and burdens placed upon local authorities which wish to revise some parking by-laws without having to engage in an entire review process as is the current situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54670/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The making of pay-parking bye-laws by road authorities, under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, is a reserved function of each authority. Guidelines issued by the Minister under that section, provide assistance to authorities when making pay-parking bye-laws, including examples of the structure and content of such bye-laws. Where changes are being made to existing bye-laws, other than those relating to fees, new bye-laws must be made. This obliges road authorities to consult with the Garda Commissioner, give public notice of the authority’s intention to make new bye-laws and the consideration of any observations or objections arising from that process. This requirement ensures that any significant changes to pay-parking bye-laws are carried out in an open and transparent way, with the public having the opportunity to be involved in the process. I do not have any plans to alter that requirement.  However, if the Deputy has specific proposals in mind for the changing of this legislation I will, of course, give it due consideration.