Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
313. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide advice with regard to parking at Rossaveel car park (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6256/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPermit parking is being provided at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre by my Department for persons whose normal place of residence is on the Aran Islands. This follows consultation with the three Island Committee Representative Groups and their desire to have islander access to the Fishery Harbour Centre car park facility. It replaces a car park operated under licence until 2021 by the Committees on behalf of the islanders. Information on the permit process can be found online at: gov.ie - Application forms for Car Park Permit – Ros an Mhíl (www.gov.ie)
Over 250 permits have been issued to date. Almost all applications have been in line with the terms and conditions set out. In a very small number of cases applications have been refused in respect of commercially taxed vehicles. In the operation of any such facility, my Department is conscious not to unintentionally subsidise commercial operators, particularly where there may be other reliefs available, and not to interfere in the market for related services.
As is the case with any car park, charges apply in the Fishery Harbour Centre, and spaces cannot be guaranteed for any individual user. Other parking spaces in the car park will be available as a public car park at ordinary parking rates with further privately operated car parking facilities available in the immediate vicinity.
