Three pay and display parking metres have been installed at Doolin Pier Carpark and are now operational in accordance with the Doolin Pier (Parking Places) Bye-Laws 2016.
The Bye-Laws, which came into effect in early June following their adoption by Elected Members at the May Monthly Meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, have been introduced to regulate parking at one of the primary access points between the mainland and the Aran Islands.
Clare County Council says income from the newly introduced parking metres will be used for the implementation of the proposed shoreline facilities at Doolin Pier, including a new visitor facility.
Parking for vehicles at Doolin Pier car park will be free for vehicles with the capacity to carry more than 7 passengers. Parking charges are as follows: €1 for up to 2 hrs, €5 for 2-30hrs, and an additional €10 for parking up to one week. One of the newly installed pay & display machines accept all major credit cards, as well as Debit and Laser Cards. The dual machine also accepts coins.
The proposed visitor facility at Doolin Pier will replace existing temporary structures and will be part of a masterplan proposal relating to the development of the Doolin Pier area. The masterplan includes the pier area in general, vehicle routes to and from Doolin village, and parking and traffic management.
Among the functions and operations being considered within the overall plan is the sale of tickets by a number of Ferry Operators, the serving of food, and the provision of toilet facilities for patrons and staff, public waiting/viewing area, luggage holding area, tourism information, car/bike parking, waste management, harbour master office, and health and safety requirements.
In February of this year, the carpark suffered extensive damage in the wake of Storm Imogen.
