A study is to be carried out to include a number of aspects of traffic in Howth. Parking is probably the central issue and is the one which has set it off. The impetus as far as I can decipher is two-fold: Firstly the Department of the Marine has let Fingal know that they are considering putting parking charges in the Harbour area due to the level of non-harbour traffic. Secondly Fingal’s imposition of parking charges in Malahide is considered to be a success both by the Council and local interests. Additionally Fingal is using parking charges in Balbriggan to fund a local bus service.
The current study is wider than just parking. At this stage, there is a process of open consultation for people to raise their concerns. You can read the notice below, but please note the deadline has now been extended to 30th September. I emphasised at our Area Committee meeting that the important thing at this stage is to determine the goals of the study i.e what problems are to be addressed and what is to be achieved? It is worth putting your comments on what you would like to see to the Council by the extended deadline of 30th September. If and when plans are drawn up, there will be consultation on those proposals.
COMHAIRLE CONTAE FHINE GALL
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL
In advance of the preparation of the preliminary design for traffic management scheme for Howth, it is proposed to conduct a comprehensive pre-consultation process with all stakeholders. The issues to be addressed in the proposed scheme will include the following:-
1. Traffic and Parking Management Measures
Following on the success of a pilot Pay and Display scheme in Malahide, it is proposed to consider the introduction of a similar scheme and traffic management measures in Howth with the objective of reducing traffic speeds, reducing traffic congestion, increasing turnover of spaces and opportunity of parking in key areas if appropriate, improving pedestrian safety and pedestrian facilities, provision of appropriate speed limits, introducing resident permits for all residents in the proposed pay and display zones, revising parking layout, assessing locations of bus stops, identifying a taxi rank if needed, assessment of off street car parking, and improvement of public amenity.
2. Bus priority measures
To be considered as an integral part of the scheme.
Invitation of submissions.
Your views/comments in relation to parking/traffic management issues in Howth would be welcomed. In this regard, we would ask that all submissions be made in writing to Mr. P. Caulfield, to arrive in County Hall, Main Street, Swords not later than close of business on 30tth 2005 or by email to Roads@fingalcoco.ie.
Staff of Transportation Department will be available to meet with the various stakeholders.
PETER CAULFIELD
SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER.