Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 34:

In page 51, after line 48, to insert the following:

"(9) The Authority shall require private bus operators to provide off street parking for their vehicles.".

I also wish to address this point. This amendment generated a considerable amount of debate on Committee Stage. Senator Ryan has detailed well the difficulties that such private bus operators can cause in many residential areas. Another aspect that also causes much difficulty is the practice whereby private bus operators park their vehicles or leave them for long periods in locations such as Parnell Square, Mountjoy Square and so on, that are partially residential in nature. Not only does the presence of the buses cause difficulty to the residents, but in many cases such areas are of great architectural and cultural value and they are being gradually eroded by the persistent presence of private buses. Their engines are engaged much of the time and it is having a highly negative effect on both the appeal and appearance of such areas.

I take the Minister of State's point regarding the existence of legislation and law, ranging from the city council's by-laws to the laws at the disposal of the Garda Síochána. However, in many cases, for whatever reason, such regulations and laws are not being implemented. Were an organisation such as the proposed authority to step in and do its bit to make a difference, it would be welcome. Such an improvement would be noticed and appreciated by people who live in all kinds of residential communities within the area for which the DTA will be responsible.