COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

MOTION NO. 17

MOTION: Councillor A.M. Dermody

"That this Council confirm the position for traders in Rathfarnham Village who still continue to encounter problems with APCOA.   It was indicated at an earlier Committee meeting that traders in the village could apply for an annual permit for a fixed fee of €300.  It now appears that one such trader applied for an annual permit and her annual application was refused, she was told that she could only apply for a maximum 3 monthly permit.  It appears APCOA are unaware of annual application option and only allow monthly or three monthly applications.

Can you please also confirm whether or not there is a cap on the number of applicants who can apply for such a permit; there is a suggestion that only one permit per business can be applied for?   Are there any restrictions on the application for such permits by traders?  If so what are these restrictions?

Finally, is it possible for the Manager to insist that applications for annual permits to APCOA be made more user friendly, that APCOA accept on-line applications, while ensuring payment protection for applicant."

REPORT:

The car park at Village Court was surveyed during June and it was observed that 40 spaces remain available. To encourage better use option for motorists working in the village permits are available at €25 per month including VAT. To promote better use of the car park in a way that benefits the village area the provision of permits limited to workers of the village at the reduced rate will be retained and made available for annual and monthly periods. As up to 40 spaces are available it is not proposed to operate a limit. During the pilot period these permits were available for a shorter period.

Over the summer holiday period confusion regarding the numbers of permits that could be issued occurred, this was resolved and the requested permit was issued.

A general review of the permit application system will be carried out which will include on line applications. It is intended that a less onerous system that continues to deliver the necessary controls can be developed.