Tom Brabazon
Question:152. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are plans to introduce paid parking at locations owned by his Department (details supplied). [6769/26]
View answerWednesday, 28 January 2026
Questions (152)
Written answers
My Department owns, operates, and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres (FHCs) under statute at Killybegs, Howth, Castletownbere, Ros an Mhíl, Dingle and Dunmore East.
Howth Fishery Harbour is first and foremost a working fishery harbour. However it also serves as a very important tourist and leisure destination with many restaurants and business operating on the harbour. Traffic management and parking has been a long-standing issue in Howth FHC, with issues regarding emergency access and other safety matters raised by the Harbour Master, the Coastguard, the Lifeboat service, and An Gárda Síochána.
I am aware from my own visits to the harbour and discussions with the Harbour Master and business owners that there is a desire for a more regulated and managed parking regime within the harbour. The topic was also raised and discussed more broadly at the most recent Howth Harbour Users Forum on 10 June, 2025.
I consider the proper management of car parking facilities and additional traffic management both desirable and necessary to the safe and efficient operations of the harbour. Officials from my Department are currently considering implementing a parking regime within Howth FHC. The regime may potentially introduce paid parking.
Under the Harbour Centres Act 1968 and the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015, paid parking can be introduced within the FHC. A full consultation will be held with harbour users to ensure that all concerns are aired and addressed before any measures are implemented.
The Deputy may be aware that all income generated by paid activities including parking is lodged into the Fishery Harbour Centres Fund, which is audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, and reinvested into the operation and development of the Fishery Harbour Centres.