Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1285.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a vehicle owner from Inis Meáin, Árainn, County Galway (details supplied) was refused a parking permit for Rossaveal Harbour, County Galway, despite the fact that the vehicle owner is a permanent resident of the Aran Islands and is a farmer with a herd number; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35410/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Permit parking is being provided at Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre by my Department for persons whose normal place of residence is on the Aran Islands. This follows consultation with the three Island Committee Representative Groups and their desire to have islander access to the Fishery Harbour Centre car park facility. It replaces a car park operated under licence until 2021 by the Committees on behalf of the islanders. Information on the permit process can be found online at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/f47aa-application-forms-for-car-park-permit-ros-an-mhil/

Over 340 permits have been issued to date. Almost all applications have been in line with the terms and conditions set out. In a very small number of cases applications have been refused in respect of commercially taxed vehicles. In the operation of any such facility, my Department is conscious not to unintentionally subsidise commercial operators, particularly where there may be other reliefs available, and not to interfere in the market for related services.

However, permits have been granted in a limited amount of instances for those with commercial vehicles, for example for farmers who are able to provide proof they are farming, that is, a herd number. At the time the applicant in question was refused a car parking permit, the herd number provided was dormant in respect of Bovines. However, I understand that the herd number is now active in respect of Equines. Therefore, my Department will make contact with the applicant directly regarding this application.

As is the case with any car park, charges apply in the Fishery Harbour Centre, and spaces cannot be guaranteed for any individual user. Other parking spaces in the car park are available as a public car park at ordinary parking rates with further privately operated car parking facilities available in the immediate vicinity.