Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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498. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the situation in relation to parking on his Department's property in Howth, County Dublin; if there is any supervision or regulations regarding overnight parking; the specific rules that exist in relation to caravans, mobile homes and or camper vans; his views on the matter which occurred at times during the summer with caravans parking near the tourist information kiosk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30753/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Pursuant to the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (as amended), my Department has responsibility for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, An Daingean, Ros An Mhil and Killybegs. Howth Fishery Harbour Centre is first and foremost a working fishery harbour and its primary objective is to provide for the needs of fishermen and the fishing industry generally. However, as the Deputy is aware Howth is also a very important tourist and leisure destination and my Department has to be conscious of balancing the various unique features that pertain in Howth. Parking is permitted free of charge within the limits of the Howth Fishery Harbour Centre for visitors and users of the Harbour. The only requirement is that they comply with the traffic management markings and procedures.

The Deputy may be aware that upgrading works to the car park, including lining of parking spaces, have taken place as part of the harbour’s ongoing traffic management improvements. In 2015 I have allocated €75,000 for the continuation of these improvements.

Furthermore, having regard to Health & Safety reasons and in the interests of proper traffic management generally, consideration is being given to the introduction of a Fixed Payment of €150 for parking offences within the Centre.

While my officials liaise with An Garda Siochana, Fingal County Council and other stakeholders on an ongoing basis on matters pertaining to traffic management within and in the vicinity of Howth harbour, where there are safety concerns regarding traffic management and parking these should be brought to the attention of the Harbour Master in the first instance.