Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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83. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce paid parking at Howth Harbour; if he has made a decision on whether or not to proceed with the plan; and if he will indicate if he has had regard to the various submissions from residents, businesses and community groups voicing concerns regarding the proposed plan. [39150/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The House will be aware that I have been considering introducing a charge for parking facilities within Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for some time for the following reasons:

- to assist in operating Howth Fishery Harbour Centre on a financially-sound basis,

- to provide a source of revenue for further investment in Fishery Harbour Centre facilities,

- as part of an overall traffic management plan, and

- in order to maximise the return on this significant State asset.

There is a broad range of factors to consider in coming to a decision but Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour, one of 6 in the State. Funding for operating, management and development costs in the fishery harbours is ring-fenced in the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund, which is the only source of revenue available for that purpose, and my Department must be fully committed to maximising the return on its investment and must ensure that the Fishery Harbour Centres are run on a financially-sound basis.

Uniquely among Fishery Harbour Centres, a wide range of groups use the parking facilities of Howth Fishery Harbour - harbour business customers, yacht club members, sport fishermen, Dart users, tourists, walkers and many others. I am well aware of and acknowledge the concerns of local residents and user groups alike. Deputy Broughan and the House can rest assured that I will take account of all aspects of the matter in coming to a decision. I can also assure the harbour users in Howth that I am committed to continuing investment in and development of Howth going forward.