Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:27. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding his proposal to introduce paid parking at Howth harbour. [52930/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 December 2013
Ceisteanna (27)
Freagraí scríofa
The House will be aware that I have been considering introducing a charge for parking facilities within Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for some time:
- to assist in operating Howth Fishery Harbour Centre on a financially-sound basis;
- to provide a source of revenue for further investment in Fishery Harbour Centre facilities;
- as part of an overall traffic management plan; and
- in order to maximise the return on this significant State asset.
There is a broad range of factors to consider in coming to a decision; first and foremost Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is a working fishery harbour, one of 6 Fishery Harbour Centres in the State.
Funding for operating, management and development costs of the Fishery Harbour Centres is a major consideration for my Department. Maximising potential income, and ensuring that the Fishery Harbour Centres are run on a financially-sound basis, is extremely important.
Uniquely among Fishery Harbour Centres, a wide range of groups use the parking facilities of Howth Fishery Harbour – harbour business customers, yacht club members, sport fishermen, Dart users, tourists, walkers and many others.
I am well aware of and acknowledge the concerns of local residents and user groups and Deputy Broughan and the House can rest assured that I will take appropriate account of their views in coming to my decision. I can also assure the harbour users in Howth that I am committed to continuing investment in and development of Howth Harbour going forward.