COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

MOTION NO.  12

MOTION: Councillor R. Dowds

That this Committee proposes that South Dublin County Council makes one third of the parking spaces in its Clondalkin car park, behind the Clondalkin Civic Offices, available to the public for parking at a reasonable fee.

REPORT:

The Council's Corporate Services Department has reported that the Council is registered owner of approximately one third of the overall complex known as the Civic Offices as outlined on the attached map.    The remaining approximate two thirds is in private ownership. Accordingly it is not within the Council's remit to dedicate private spaces as a public car park. 

While the sentiment in the motion is understood, it is recommended that careful consideration  be given to any proposal to increase the available car parking within the village area. Across the road from the Civic Offices, there is a very large and accessible car park which is free and for the most part underutilised. The suggestion that another car park should be created in Clondalkin and one which charges for parking, would not appear to be sustainable in this context. The primary issue at the location is one of inappropriate and illegal parking at the entrance to the Civic Offices and it is considered that this attitude will prevail until a more robust enforcement regime is introduced.

At another level consideration is required in relation to the overall number of car parking spaces in Clondalkin Village.  For the most part there is no shortage of car parking in the Village area and further studies will be required to ensure that there is no substantial oversupply of car parking in the Village. It has been suggested on many occasions that the Village is dominated by the car and the presence of parking for cars and an alternative approach needs to be considered before any decision is made.  

However, if the motion is passed the issue can be raised with the owners to establish their willingness to consider the proposal and how the cost of introduction and ongoing management of the car parking area might be financed.