Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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6. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the proposal to introduce paid parking at Howth Harbour, Howth, Dublin 13. [20267/14]

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:

- 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.

However, in considering these factors, I fully appreciate that the situation is complex and in that regard, due deliberation is being given to the concerns that have been raised at a local level with regard to the introduction of a charge.

There is a broad range of factors to consider in coming to a decision; first and foremost Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is a working fishery harbour, one of 6 Fishery Harbour Centres in the State. I have to be conscious in regard to the safe operation of the Harbour at all times. In this context, traffic management and parking is recognised as an issue, particularly, though not exclusively, during the busy holiday periods. 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. For the record, pay parking is already in operation in two other Fishery Harbour Centres.

As I have said, funding for operating, management and ongoing development costs of the Fishery Harbour Centres is a consideration for my Department, ensuring that the Fishery Harbour Centres are run on a financially-sound basis, is extremely important. I am well aware of and acknowledge the concerns of local residents and harbour users; I will take appropriate account of their views in coming to my decision.