Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

While I already have covered these points, as a condition of their operating licence, operators must have adequate parking spaces. The day-to-day issues regarding parking and control are matters for the Garda and local authorities. As for the locations mentioned by the Senator, such as Parnell Square and Nassau Street, the problem was under considerably less control ten years ago. I accept that private bus operators were parking anywhere and everywhere. At present however, they park in specified, agreed, areas under law and regulation and in agreement with local authorities. This is what can be done and is being done. Legislation is in place for all of these matters. If laws are not being enforced, passing more laws will not make them enforceable.

In the main however, the daytime problem now is managed and controlled in accordance with existing regulations. Parking in Parnell Square, Nassau Street, Dublin Castle or wherever is done by agreement. As for overnight parking or similar activities, regulations are in place to prevent it if the local authority wishes to do so. However, operators are meant to have adequate parking as a condition of their operating licence. A driver who is on an early morning run and who decides to bring it home can be dealt with under existing legislation.

I am most familiar with city conditions and while I do not suggest they are perfect — nothing is — significant areas exist in which one cannot park anything over three tonnes at night. The Garda might try by persuasion to implement this provision. If not, the clampers constitute the fall-back plan, which usually carries more clout. However, the regulations already are in place and it is not necessary to amend them further.