COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

MOTION NO. 21

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

That a discussion takes place on the Parking Scheme as it applies to the Lucan / Palmerston Area with particular reference as to how it serves traffic flow, the taxi trade, residents and the business community.

REPORT:

Controlled parking has been operating for some time in both Lucan Village and Palmerston Village.  Regulation of parking is carried out under the South Dublin County Council (Control of Parking) Bye-Laws 2010. The operation of the Pay and Display and permit parking allows the orderly use of the limited on street space for the benefit of all as well as protecting the amenity value of neighbouring residential areas.

The general constraints to providing parking spaces include width of road, proximity to junctions and pedestrian crossings, schools and entrances amongst others.  In the high demand pay and display areas all suitable space was used to accommodate parking.

Taxi rank areas can also be designated where deemed appropriate and necessary, subject to the Council making appropriate bye laws in this regard, controlling their use to promote the orderly use of the road space for the convenience of the travelling public, local residents and the business community.

Where taxi ranks are not provided casual arrangements often occur. Taxi drivers will seek to gather custom in areas of high demand at the expense of other areas.  In the provision of taxi rank facilities the Council needs to consider the likely customer demand and that a sufficient number of taxis will be available. Consideration must also be given to an overflow arrangement such that additional taxis can use the available road space at particular times.  It is not possible to provide sufficient dedicated taxi spaces for the large number of taxis within the Lucan / Palmerston area.

The provision of these facilities requires the reallocation of limited on street space and will necessitate compromise from all stakeholders.