Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses from RGDATA. I fully accept and understand the importance of local small businesses, particularly family owned businesses, which are very much the heart of small towns. We have heard many stories, and Senators Mullins and Quinn spoke about what happens in some towns. A chamber of commerce in my constituency urged the local authority to introduce paid parking because its own employees were taking up valuable spaces. As it was a tourist town it was particularly noticeable during the summer. Every town is different and in a nearby town the local authority is developing a car park in the middle of the town, which will be of major benefit as it will take business owners and employees off the streets and free up spaces for customers and passing trade. As Senator Mullins stated, the phenomenon of people parking in a town for the day and then taking a bus to a city detrimental to the town and needs to be addressed.

RGDATA's recommendations include that local authorities should distinguish between commuters and shoppers. How does it propose that this be done? It would not be simple. A town may issue permits, but people may travel 15 miles to reach a town.

The Chairman and others have spoken about out-of-town centres. A developer must provide car parking spaces or be levied for them. Developer contributions are also applied. If a small business in a town centre had a car park with ten or 15 spaces, it would raise similar issues. Should levies be imposed on them for providing car parking spaces for their own business? I understand the point being made by the witnesses but I am a little wary. Perhaps it could be considered in terms of rates in the valuations Bill which is being prepared. There has always been a dichotomy between small businesses crucified by rates and larger businesses which can afford higher levels of rates.

It has been mentioned that the cost of permits and licences is €5,346. Do the witnesses have a breakdown of this? Would they be able to forward information on what it encompasses on average? It would be interesting.