Ms Joan Carthy:

Yes, it is a huge problem around the country. We are hearing from our members all of the time about parking spaces that have been moved to accommodate outside dining and have been put in places that either are inappropriate or just do not have the space that is needed.

In Dublin, there is a very good example.

There are now five wheelchair-accessible parking spaces on Fishamble Street. As those familiar with the street will be aware, it is on a slope. The location is not really accessible in terms of going anywhere other than the offices of Dublin City Council on Wood Quay. The parking spaces are too far up Fishamble Street for a wheelchair user or anyone else to get up the street. It is a big hill. If you go in the other direction, the street brings you down to the quays but it is too far from the centre of the city to travel there by wheelchair. The council has moved the spaces and put five parking spaces onto Fishamble Street but they are inappropriate and do not work for anybody. That is being reflected throughout the country. There is no thought being put into where parking spaces are being located.