New parking charges in Howth to prevent congestion in the summer months
Howth’s Harbour Road will see the introduction of parking charges in the run-up to summer to prevent congestion from visitors and tourists.
Fingal County Council (FCC) have proposed a €1.70 per hour charge and a maximum stay of three hours to encourage more short stay parking for visitors.
Introducing the proposal, a manager for FCC said the area is in need of more parking spaces to meet the needs of new housing developments.
“There is a high demand for street parking spaces on Harbour Road – we have more long stay parking in the area and that reduces availability and we have congestion during summer months which affects local businesses,” said a council staff member.
Fianna Fáil councillor Cathal Haughey said paid parking would benefit residents of Howth.
"If this is going to discourage some people from visiting Howth by car, then that’s a good thing because it’s been a complaint from local residents,” he said.
"I know that the car park spaces here are being used by people from other parts of Dublin, driving up to Howth and parking their car there as they leave to the airport for weeks.
“I support this in council-owned parts of Howth, it would benefit businesses and residents – I know elderly people with mobility issues who don’t live in walking distance who feel trapped in their houses because they can’t drive down to the village.”
Cllr Haughey called for a free hour for residents, and visitors who plan to stay in the area.
The council’s report said it has seen inconsistent availability of parking and low turnover in long-term parking bays.
“Dart users and all-day parkers will increase in Howth due to recent housing developments in the area, it will leave short stay visitors and tourists frustrated,” said the staff member.
Indepedent councillor Jimmy Guerin said that local businesses in Howth have been frustrated by a lack of space.
“I fully support paid parking and would like to see us addressing plans for the future – it’s not only local businesses but local residents are frustrated too,” he said.
"I will not be supportingt his with a view of discouraging people from visiting howth – what we need is an alternative, better managed process and a better parking structure.”