Parking Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023

Thursday, 16 November 2023

Ceisteanna (133)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will ensure that existing car parking facilities will continue to be made available to staff working in a government department in Cavan town (details supplied), as the cessation of such facilities would cause difficulties and substantial additional costs for such staff as, due to lack of public transport, they must travel to work by car and need appropriate parking facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50462/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) lease part of a building in Cavan town that is allocated to the Department of Social Protection. This lease included the use of 15 car parking spaces on a site across the road from the office. Earlier this year the landlord advised the OPW that the car park site was being sold to the County Council, consequently staff would no longer be able to use the car park once the sale completed.

It is the OPW policy that car parking is leased only when it forms part of a building lease and new leases or licences for stand-alone parking are not entered into. The OPW will review parking facilities at other owned and leased properties in Cavan town to establish if there are surplus parking spaces that can be allocated to staff affected by the sale of this car park.