COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

Can the Chief Executive outline what would be required to introduce a period of free car parking in one of the village centres such as Lucan Village, including any operational, financial or regulatory considerations involved? I had received requests from local businesses and residents regarding the possibility of providing free parking over the Christmas period but given the timing of ongoing works and the need for sufficient lead-in time it did not appear feasible this year. I would appreciate clarification on the processes, timelines and requirements associated with introducing free parking as this may be considered for a future period particularly in Lucan Village.

REPORT:

The Council manages paid parking across the county through the Control of Parking Bye Laws 2021. 

The making of Bye Laws is a reserved function of the Elected Members and the current ByeLaws were made by the Council following a statutory process under Section 199(1) of the Local Government Act 2001, and Section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, as amended.   

These Bye Laws provide for 30 mins free parking in all areas of application and this means that no fee is due in respect of the first 30 minutes while parked in a Pay & Display area, and while displaying a valid, albeit free ticket.  There is one exception to the 30 minutes free parking, which is applicable at the location where Tariff B (Park and Ride) is in place.

During deliberations on the previous 2010 Bye Laws during the drafting and making of the current Bye Laws in 2000/2021 it was noted that different parking tariffs and hours of operation within towns and villages caused confusion across the county, which was ultimately resolved by application of equitable Pay and Display fees, hours and days of operation, countywide.

There are no immediate plans for a review of the Control of Parking Bye Laws that would provide for unique parking arrangements at any one location.