Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 15, before section 11, to insert the following new section:

11.—(1) A local authority may make a bye-law under Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001, to regulate parking for mechanically propelled vehicles in a specific area within its functional area.

(2) Such bye-law shall specify—

(a) the specific area covered by the bye-law,

(b) the persons or category of persons who are covered by the bye-law,

(c) the occasions on which the bye-law shall be in force,

(d) the length of time for which the bye-law shall be in force on each occasion, and

(e) such other factors as the Local Authority may deem appropriate.

(3) A local authority shall exercise its functions under this section where it deems it necessary to restrict parking referred to in subsection (1) to residents of the specific area only.".

I have raised the issue which amendment No. 7 seeks to address on several occasions, including on Second Stage of a previous transport Bill. My amendment deals with areas such as the streets around Croke Park, where people are prisoners in their own homes during football matches, concerts and other major events. The issue has been brought to my attention by Councillor Pascal Donoghue, who has been repeatedly contacted by residents of the Croke Park area. These residents have a terrible time and feel under siege during sell-out events in Croke Park.

The people of the area deserve some peace, so I hope the Minister of State accepts my amendment. However, I note that he has tabled a similar amendment. The Minister for Transport assured me on Second Stage of the previous transport Bill that he would address the issue in this Bill but I am disappointed that he did not do so. Amendment No. 8 was probably introduced in response to my amendment.