Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

The Minister of State will have some experience of the lack of residents-only parking in the vicinity of Croke Park. It is an issue of concern to the local residents who suffer on big event days. Croke Park's capacity stands at 82,500 and it is open not just to Gaelic games but to international rugby and football matches. Last night, Croke Park was at full capacity for an international floodlit football game. Cleaning did not take place until 3 a.m., causing much grief to residents in the vicinity of the facility. While there has been a large increase in the use of Croke Park, mainly for international games, nothing has been done to make life easier for the residents in the vicinity.

Initially when the plans for the expansion of Croke Park were put in place in 1994, it was intended that a one-mile radius around Croke Park would be free from vehicles of fans attending games. That has not transpired and local residents experience vehicles parked on grass margins, blocking driveways and double yellow lines. It is especially difficult in the Dublin Central constituency. Many teams in the latter stages of the all-Ireland championships are from Northern Ireland. Many fans travel from counties Derry, Donegal, Armagh, Tyrone and the central Dublin area near the Drumcondra Road has seen a proliferation of parking that gives rise to numerous problems for local residents.

Since I tabled this matter, I am glad the Minister for Transport has taken on board my proposal. He has tabled an amendment to the Roads Bill 2007 which is seven pages long and comprises a third of the entire Bill. It does not, however, address all the issues. What provision will be made for park-and-ride facilities? How will the proposed permit system be implemented? By-laws will be granted to local authorities but will require individual applications when residents-only parking is required. This will be a nuisance when a generic approach is much preferable. I am glad a move has been made in the right direction. It seems there will, however, be teething problems in getting the system right. When that happens, it will be to the benefit of many people living on the north side of Dublin.

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