Terence Flanagan
Ceist:30. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce paid parking in Howth, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2203/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 21 January 2016
Ceisteanna (30)
Freagraí scríofa
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, owns and directly manages six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Ros an Mhíl, Killybegs and An Daingean.
Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is a working fishery harbour, however it is also a very important tourist and leisure destination with many restaurants and businesses operating on the Harbour.
The question of the introduction of paid car parking on Howth Harbour, as part of an overall review of traffic management arrangements, remains under consideration.
The Comptroller & Auditor General in his Special Report (No 82 of July 2014) and the related Report of the Public Accounts Committee of 24th June 2015 have asked the Department to review the position re pay parking in Howth, in conjunction with other Fishery Harbour Centres with a view to increasing income generation possibilities.
However, income generation is not the only factor to be considered in deciding whether pay parking should be introduced in Howth, there is a broad range of other factors to be taken into account before a final decision will be made on the matter. Most importantly, the safe operation of the Harbour is of paramount concern, in this context, traffic management and parking is recognised as an issue, particularly, though not exclusively, during the busy holiday periods.
Traffic and parking management within the Fishery Harbour Centre itself has been an issue for some time, particularly in the light of concerns raised about safety and emergency access by the Coastguard, the Lifeboat service, and An Garda Síochána. In this regard, upgrading works to the car park, including lining of parking spaces, have taken place as part of the harbour’s traffic management scheme. In 2015, over €80,000 was spent on traffic management in Howth Harbour, including a significant upgrading of lighting on the West Pier. In 2016, I have allocated €150,000 for the continuation of traffic management works in Howth Fishery Harbour Centre.