Galway Harbour Company has banned Motorhome Parking

campingcarist · 31-10-2014 10:23pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Access to such areas can be restricted and a different pricing for parking applied, usually a rate per 24 hours.

Be prepared to pay up to €12 in high season at a popular high demand tourist/resort location and in fairness for 24 hours that should be acceptable in such circumstances, particularly when such a price often includes an EHU.
However this price usually falls back significantly off season.
Outside high demand areas parking is often free or for a very modest sum all year.

In France, I paid to €14 in a CAMPING site on 4th Sept 2014 - showers, laundry, free wiFi, nice site with grass pitches though not all were flat.

So in the high season, I'm off to France, again.

niloc1951 · 31-10-2014 11:30pm

campingcarist wrote: »

In France, I paid to €14 in a CAMPING site on 4th Sept 2014 - showers, laundry, free wiFi, nice site with grass pitches though not all were flat.

So in the high season, I'm off to France, again.

God Bless ACSI Card, off season Paris Est is €16 all inclusive

Morgan The Moon · 01-11-2014 5:07pm

campingcarist wrote: »

In France, I paid to €14 in a CAMPING site on 4th Sept 2014 - showers, laundry, free wiFi, nice site with grass pitches though not all were flat.

So in the high season, I'm off to France, again.

There are thousands of decent sites at the prices you quote. So as probably you already know, you have choices. Some good and some bad, good ones are passed on by word of mouth, in forums, magazines etc etc.

Bad ones keep catching the unsuspecting people that arrive on spec. Glossy brochures, smart signage and journalistic recommendations can be and often are misleading. So I personally am not that impressed with the modern ability to produce smart glossy advertisement. The use of computerised advertisement is also very very misleading in many instances in my opinion and experience.

As Motorhome enthusiasts we are often forced to use campsites and I agree some are very good with excellent facilities. But some are a disgrace with no thought or provision as to the requirements or needs of Motorhome user's.

Same goes for "Aire's," "Stellplatz" "Sostas" etc. Some not so expensive, some expensive in my view. Some for free. But lots of choice.

But all seem to consider in one way or another what is required for Motorhomes.

Free WiFi ? How can it be free if you have paid a fee to use the facilities ?

Or was there a reduction in the cost if you did not use or require WiFi ?

The same consideration goes for showers, I nearly always use my own shower because some offered facilities are not as good as the one I bought with my Motorhome. Same goes for toilets etc, etc.

Morg

campingcarist · 02-11-2014 3:48pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

There are thousands of decent sites at the prices you quote. .....

Free WiFi ? How can it be free if you have paid a fee to use the facilities ?

Or was there a reduction in the cost if you did not use or require WiFi ?

The same consideration goes for showers, I nearly always use my own shower because some offered facilities are not as good as the one I bought with my Motorhome. Same goes for toilets etc, etc.

Morg

The point I wastrying to make was where in Ireland can you get all the facilites for the same price? The Dunmore East site, I think is quoting €28 a night. And the dearest I paid was €18 a night. That was when I didn't use the aires for which I never paid more than €6 a night but most were free, some of the latter with services, some not.

Some places charge extra for a Wifi connection. Some include it in the price calling it free; whether they have added something in to cover the cost of the wifi, I don't know but over a month the cost per person would be minimal.

Morgan The Moon · 02-11-2014 5:25pm

campingcarist wrote: »

The point I wastrying to make was where in Ireland can you get all the facilites for the same price? The Dunmore East site, I think is quoting €28 a night. And the dearest I paid was €18 a night. That was when I didn't use the aires for which I never paid more than €6 a night but most were free, some of the latter with services, some not.

Some places charge extra for a Wifi connection. Some include it in the price calling it free; whether they have added something in to cover the cost of the wifi, I don't know but over a month the cost per person would be minimal.

I agree with all your points.

Interestingly on some occasions I have asked if there is a reduction for not taking WiFi. Some will give a reduction if your lucky. Sites that have electricity included will sometimes give a reduction if you do not need electricity hook up.

The sites that offer "quickstop" have various differences to campsite charges. But your absolutely right that there seems to be better value at Continental sites. Some "City campsites" because of there location are a total rip off.

The "Aire's" "Stellplatz" "Sosta" locations are really the answer to give choice in Ireland similar to the choices offered at Continental sites.

Morg

*Kol* · 02-11-2014 10:04pm

campingcarist wrote: »

The point I wastrying to make was where in Ireland can you get all the facilites for the same price? The Dunmore East site, I think is quoting €28 a night. And the dearest I paid was €18 a night. That was when I didn't use the aires for which I never paid more than €6 a night but most were free, some of the latter with services, some not.

Some places charge extra for a Wifi connection. Some include it in the price calling it free; whether they have added something in to cover the cost of the wifi, I don't know but over a month the cost per person would be minimal.

I see your point the WIFI is free if you don't pay for it on top of the basic price. Unfortunately we are not in France. I wish!!

*Kol* · 02-11-2014 10:26pm

we have two camps here. One that parks and one that camps. No pun intended. For the parkers I am not sure. For the campers. In fairness the difference is a tenner at most. It's hardly worth the effort to be giving about it for the most part. What are are you losing? A tenner? Don't go back if it's that bad. There are plenty of sites in Ireland that will give you your €25 worth. They need to make a living too. Granted there's great value in France but we don't live in France. So the other weekends when you are not in France you might think about how campsites in Ireland need to make a living too. Has anybody on here actually worked out the economics of running a campsite in Ireland? I would love to do it but I don't think there would be any money in it.

niloc1951 · 03-11-2014 12:43am

*Kol* wrote: »

we have two camps here. One that parks and one that camps. No pun intended. For the parkers I am not sure. For the campers. In fairness the difference is a tenner at most. It's hardly worth the effort to be giving about it for the most part. What are are you losing? A tenner? Don't go back if it's that bad. There are plenty of sites in Ireland that will give you your €25 worth. They need to make a living too. Granted there's great value in France but we don't live in France. So the other weekends when you are not in France you might think about how campsites in Ireland need to make a living too. Has anybody on here actually worked out the economics of running a campsite in Ireland? I would love to do it but I don't think there would be any money in it.

Problem is as I see it is that there is little understanding of how the caravan/camping/motor-caravan market is segmented and require different product services. Add to this the huge service and municipal charges levied on not only camp-sites but all businesses in this country it is difficult for any to make a decent profit.
However it is unfortunate that while camp-sites justifiably complain about not getting due recognition for their roll in providing tourism infrastructure in the form of more realistic development charges and municipal rates they somewhat shot themselves in the foot by not passing on the decrease in VAT given to those providing services to tourism back in July 2011, I have found none in their 2012 sites book which show a reduced price against the 2011 price.

When I used a tent I used caravan and camping sites as I also did when I had a caravan and children to be amused. I was glad of the children's play ground, shower blocks, campers kitchens, television rooms and indoor play areas on wet days.

However, I now have a motorhome, no kids, my own shower, kitchen, tv & hifi, and I don't need a children play ground, games room or indoor play area.

Can someone explain why camp-site owners and their lobbyists think I must purchase all those facilities I don't need instead of providing that which I need which is a simple space of about 25sq meters on which to park my motorhome while I enjoy those onboard facilities I paid so much for.
Such a space can be provided by local authorities or private enterprise, it matters not to me. For such a space I am more than willing to pay a price similar to that which prevails elsewhere in Europe, after all we are supposed to be in a single market and not supposed to be paying significantly more than our counterparts elsewhere for goods and services.

Finally, I am not a charitable organisation and I will not pay €30 for a place to park for 24 hours. See an Example Here. The cost of a fortnight is such an establishment would pay for a return ferry to France and a similar time spent on municipal camp-sites and Aires in that country, plus the wine and beer is way cheaper too

Queenie_Jet · 03-11-2014 10:00am

To be fair, I had always thought the price of sites in this country was a little high, until we did the UK in July and we RV'ed in California last month. In the UK we paid up on £30 per night (and £22 was the lowest) and in the US the most expensive RV park was Candlestick park in San Francisco 79usd plus tax per night. Granted, SF is one of the most expensive cities you can visit, the cheapest we paid was 35usd and we made use of free RV parking available in some towns.
All of the sites provided full services inc wifi but the con (particularly in Carmel, CA) is that they are usually way out of town - further than walking distance away.

I know France and Europe are way cheaper and I agree that we need our town councils to wake up and provide RV parking spaces in most towns, we would make use of campsites every 3 nights for facialities when on a long trip (or when we take the pets). There is a time and a place for all of them - but all the alternatives should be provided.

niloc1951 · 03-11-2014 11:13am

Queenie_Jet wrote: »

To be fair, I had always thought the price of sites in this country was a little high, until we did the UK in July and we RV'ed in California last month. In the UK we paid up on £30 per night (and £22 was the lowest) and in the US the most expensive RV park was Candlestick park in San Francisco 79usd plus tax per night. Granted, SF is one of the most expensive cities you can visit, the cheapest we paid was 35usd and we made use of free RV parking available in some towns.
All of the sites provided full services inc wifi but the con (particularly in Carmel, CA) is that they are usually way out of town - further than walking distance away.

I know France and Europe are way cheaper and I agree that we need our town councils to wake up and provide RV parking spaces in most towns, we would make use of campsites every 3 nights for facialities when on a long trip (or when we take the pets). There is a time and a place for all of them - but all the alternatives should be provided.

In the UK and NI there are CL's and CS's, there are specially certified camping locations on private land with a maximum permitted number of 5 pitches and free of the regulations relevant to formal caravan and camping parks.

To use these sites you need to be a member of either The Caravan Club or The Caravan and Camping Club and the usually cost less than £10 per night including EHU and dump/water facilities

zambo · 03-11-2014 12:32pm

As I see it this is all about choice.If anyone wants to use a campsite that is their choice and they should make it based on what they want and its price.
If on the other hand the owner of a motorhome wants to stop overnight in a legal parking area that is also a perfectly valid choice.
Whichever option is chosen should never be decided because a campsite or other interest has a local councellor in their corner or in their pocket.For too long in Ireland we have had the situation where certain interests have abused power in their own interest and the main aim has been to monetise everything owned and used by the public for their own benifit.
Let each business atract customers by supplying what people want and not by preventing us using the facilities we already own.
Apart from the Irish peoples right to enjoy our own countryside we need tourism and it is in no ones interest that hotels,campsites or other interest group should make any section feel unwelcome.
yours zambo.

niloc1951 · 04-11-2014 10:55am

The Galway pot has now started to simmer in the UK, see THIS ARTICLE on 'The UK’s Number One Website for Motorhomers, Caravanners and Campers'

piuswal · 05-11-2014 5:23pm

Any chance the Local Media might pick up on the MMM article, Galway and Dungarvan?

Or might Galway's action embolden Dungarvan Councillors?

Any idea when the Dungarvan November meeting is?

niloc1951 · 05-11-2014 6:52pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

I believe that Cllr Geoghegan, who is the Chair of the council area in question has facilitated a meeting with representatives of The Phoenix Motorhome Club at the councils November meeting.
I also believe that The Phoenix Motorhome Club will be giving a presentation to the meeting on the benefits of providing official regulated parking for motorhomes and the economic benefits which can flow from such a venture.

November meeting is on Monday 10th.

Field east · 06-11-2014 10:30am

Have read with great interest the Galway parking issue. Would the energy/time spent on the issue be more productively spent on presenting it as a national issue so that we end up with at least every city and large town (eg 6000 +) for starters having the 'AIRE' type facilities as in France. Otherwise we will be going from town to town, no standards in place.

Morg hit the nail on the head by referring to the spend by us all on petrol ,maintenance, insurance, restaurants, capital purchases, etc. Taking this argument further , the receivers of this income spent it and this in turn is spent by those and so on . This happens all over the country and goes all over the shop. A Kerry MH owner, for eg , may buy her/his insurance from a Dublin based firm and fuel all over the country as they travel around. So the MH sector is helping to support other sectors, is helping to support jobs and is contributing to increasing national spend and increasing tax intake at national level. In theory, it is possible that not a cent is spent by MH owners in Galway and yet Galway could end up getting a lot of our spend . Eg I am sure that some of the owners, employees of the various facilities , services and suppliers that MH owners use holiday in Galway and probably get their supplies there, etc. so as they say 'what comes around , goes around.'

All of the above should be of great interest to the Gov and to the locations that have MH potential . If there is a national strategy to have the AIRE type facilities at key locations throughout the country , then Failte Ireland can very positively market The island as a place which welcomes MHs'. - come and see our facilities and prices!!
The national exchange coffers can be enhanced be an increasing no of foreign owners coming, current owners spending more time in Irl and less overseas and maybe individuals buying a MH because of the , hopefully, positive content of the Failte Ireland promotion of the sector
.
I would be very hopeful that if there was a case made for a national strategy and how it might be supported by grant assistance , that it would get the ear of the Min for Tourism .The strategy might include details of the current situation and financial projections of the contribution to the national economy of the proposed strategy . For a small national investment there could be a very sign return.
I have not researched what supports are out there or what Failte Ireland support was or has been, but I have always felt that it was always treated as if it was not of any significance. Board Failte traditionally concentrated on servicing high spent tourists. Is it not possible that the children of a foreign family MHing in Ireland might return to Irl as adults because of a happy MH experience.

Re Signage:-
The drawing of the shape of a MH on the sign is internationally recognised and therefor has to be part of the sign. What about Our smiling icon on it or a 'tick' (as in something being correct ) on it also would give a definite 'Yes, you are very welcome here'
The signage for where MH are not allowed could be the drawing only with a big X through it.
The word 'Failte' is a good idea. It's Irish, easy to say-hopefully by all nationalities- and means 'Welcome'. The foreign tourist will make what it means when they come across the one with the big X

Am taking the week off now so that I will be able to meet the backlash when I return!

niloc1951 · 06-11-2014 12:03pm

The latest from Galway http://connachttribune.ie/end-of-the-road-for-motorhome-holidaymakers-844/ is very interesting.

As I read it it seems to carry two main points attributed to The Galway City Council.

Motorhome based tourists are required to patronise a campsite if they wish to stay in Galway overnight, irrespective of whether they need campsite facilities or not.
And.
Any mention of 'parking' at the dock area is studiously avoided in favour of creating an impression that the area had become an unofficial camp-site.

Given the circumstances concerning the provision of services and the lack of planning permission thereof, should not the appropriate action be to require the suspension of those services and not interfere with the provision of parking for which planning permission clearly exists.

As Marcellus said in Hamlet there is something rotten in the State of Denmark or should the be the City of Galway

piuswal · 06-11-2014 12:04pm

I tend to agree with the need for an overall approach but I would await the outcome of the Dungarvan meeting and decision.

It looks like there could be a positive outcome and if so, coupled with the Cobh and Middleton positions there would be the possible template for the overall case.

Signage;

Use the international sign with Failte or STAD.

Irishgoatman · 06-11-2014 12:39pm

Re the piece in the Tribune, there is no mention of the council banning parking of MH's only the power points being erected without planning permission. It also states that they were originally erected for the use of boat owners which is clearly not true as any cables from boats would have to go across the footpath!. That would be the danger to the public, as mentioned to a previous poster by the Harbour Co. not the parking of MH's.

Either the council are trying to pass the buck or the Harbour Company got it wrong. The reporter got no answer from the company? makes me slightly suspicious.

*Kol* · 06-11-2014 1:06pm

I would agree that the harbour company seem to have gotten it wrong in that they were trying to facilitate the MH parking but didn't get the right permissions. Those electrical points certainly look like they are in the wrong place if they are supposed to be for the boats.

I too would be suspicious that there was an external influence on the council to have them investigating the erection of the power points. The unfortunate thing is that the relatively small revenue earned from the spaces by the harbour company may not encourage them to pursue proper permission to get the spaces back into use. It could be more hassle than its worth.

niloc1951 · 06-11-2014 3:28pm

To clarify:
My understanding from reliable sources is that
The Galway City Council instigated the ban on the basis that there was no planning permission for parking motorhomes notwithstanding the fact that the planning permission does not specify any category of vehicle which may or may not park there.
Galway City Council also had 'problems' with the fact that motorhomes would not fit within the parking bays notwithstanding the fact that many many motorhomes would fit within the marked bays.
The Galway City Council required that The Galway Harbour Company erect the sign attached.
In the recent Galway Tribune article The Galway City Council have set out their stall on how they see motorhome based tourists are to be treated or more correctly mistreated within Galway City.

*Kol* · 06-11-2014 3:46pm

Were those spaces being advertised officially as overnight motorhome parking prior to the council getting involved? Apologies if this was covered elsewhere in the thread.

Field east · 06-11-2014 6:14pm

Look what the dublin city officials did to a very lucrative idea that was all set up to go re the Gareth Brook concerts and earning the country millions.The media referred to the apparent fact that some council staff lived in the area, or and were from the area or and had relatives in the area or and had property rented in the area. It is hard to say what association the media was making.
So, Did one or a number of MH owners do something to upset a council or port official - like driving over her/his pet gerbil with your big MH and inflicting a serious injury? If that's the case then all is fair in love and war . it's pay back time. Remember we are in Ireland and we think differently to the Brittish, French Germans

Morgan The Moon · 06-11-2014 6:29pm

piuswal wrote: »

I tend to agree with the need for an overall approach but I would await the outcome of the Dungarvan meeting and decision.

It looks like there could be a positive outcome and if so, coupled with the Cobh and Middleton positions there would be the possible template for the overall case.

Signage;

Use the international sign with Failte or STAD.

So far personally I like both, "Stad" and "Failte". Failte on the signage of the International symbol of the Motorhome would send out an enormous positive message to any visiting Motorhome enthusiast. "Stad" would give us an identifiable Irish definition of what we and others know as "Aires" "Stellplatz" "Sostas" etc.

As suggested in a previous post the wording "Stad" could be submitted to Wikipedia fairly easily. When discussing the subject with councillors etc it can be quoted and the councillors can look up the meaning etc. They would realise the notion of such facilities is "World wide" and not just in their areas.

Increasingly the councillors will come to realise there is now a spotlight on Ireland.This topic is being watched and monitored by an international critical Motorhome fraternity.

Perhaps others viewing this thread would comment on the suggested terminology and if agreeable, maybe it could be suggested to the people who have done sterling work in discussing the point with the authorities to date.

Personally I would not like to step on anybodies toes or upset others already hard work.

Morg.

niloc1951 · 06-11-2014 7:01pm

*Kol* wrote: »

Were those spaces being advertised officially as overnight motorhome parking prior to the council getting involved? Apologies if this was covered elsewhere in the thread.

See 37 HERE

niloc1951 · 06-11-2014 7:17pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

So far personally I like both, "Stad" and "Failte". Failte on the signage of the International symbol of the Motorhome would send out an enormous positive message to any visiting Motorhome enthusiast. "Stad" would give us an identifiable Irish definition of what we and others know as "Aires" "Stellplatz" "Sostas" etc.

As suggested in a previous post the wording "Stad" could be submitted to Wikipedia fairly easily. When discussing the subject with councillors etc it can be quoted and the councillors can look up the meaning etc. They would realise the notion of such facilities is "World wide" and not just in their areas.

Increasingly the councillors will come to realise there is now a spotlight on Ireland.This topic is being watched and monitored by an international critical Motorhome fraternity.

Perhaps others viewing this thread would comment on the suggested terminology and if agreeable, maybe it could be suggested to the people who have done sterling work in discussing the point with the authorities to date.

Personally I would not like to step on anybodies toes or upset others already hard work.

Morg.

One often sees accueil in France at motorhome parking areas which has the meaning welcome as does fáilte.

I would be inclined to go for Fáilte which is universally stood by tourists to mean welcome and when accompanying the internationally recognised motorhome parking sign it also 'welcomes' motorhomes to park

Stad which means stop and is seen at junctions in An Ghaeltacht could be confused as indicating 'do not proceed' or 'keep out' by foreign tourists with a poor understanding of the English language.

Morgan The Moon · 06-11-2014 7:27pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

One often sees accueil in France at motorhome parking areas which has the meaning welcome as does fáilte.

I would be inclined to go for Fáilte which is universally stood by tourists to mean welcome and when accompanying the internationally recognised motorhome parking sign it also 'welcomes' motorhomes to park

Stad which means stop and is seen at junctions in An Ghaeltacht could be confused as indicating 'do not proceed' or 'keep out' by foreign tourists with a poor understanding of the English language.

Point taken, it's good to tease out possibilities. You did make a good suggestion prior in the thread. Are you still happy with that one.

Morg

niloc1951 · 06-11-2014 8:36pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

Point taken, it's good to tease out possibilities. You did make a good suggestion prior in the thread. Are you still happy with that one.

Morg

Geaeilge is widely spoken in Galway being adjacent to An Ghealtacht so I would leave it to them to come up with a suitable description as Gaeilgewhen that day comes that a parking area for motorhomes is being set up.

:D

Morgan The Moon · 06-11-2014 9:38pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Geaeilge is widely spoken in Galway being adjacent to An Ghealtacht so I would leave it to them to come up with a suitable description as Gaeilgewhen that day comes that a parking area for motorhomes is being set up. :D

And many years may pass before an opportunity is no longer a vision in the mist of Galway Bay ! There are other opportunities and other visions surrounding this Island of Ireland !

Our closest neighbours have failed dismally to embrace the idea of what we are looking for. Shackled to the Caravan Club lobby within the corridors of EU Parliament. They consider the CL type member only option as their way to control the Motorhome usage option, providing for parking opportunities, with facilities. Their Government position is hi-jacked with landed gentry opinion and patronage of the Caravan Club. The meddling of opinion within the EU is not helpful for us as a member state. Finding and adopting a Irish identity for Motorhome parking places would help to set Ireland aside from the anti EU stance frequently adopted and voiced by our closest neighbours.

Hopefully others will embrace the idea and wording will materialise.

Morg

niloc1951 · 06-11-2014 10:39pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

And many years may pass before an opportunity is no longer a vision in the mist of Galway Bay ! There are other opportunities and other visions surrounding this Island of Ireland !

Our closest neighbours have failed dismally to embrace the idea of what we are looking for. Shackled to the Caravan Club lobby within the corridors of EU Parliament. They consider the CL type member only option as their way to control the Motorhome usage option, providing for parking opportunities, with facilities. Their Government position is hi-jacked with landed gentry opinion and patronage of the Caravan Club. The meddling of opinion within the EU is not helpful for us as a member state. Finding and adopting a Irish identity for Motorhome parking places would help to set Ireland aside from the anti EU stance frequently adopted and voiced by our closest neighbours.

Hopefully others will embrace the idea and wording will materialise.

Morg

There is a significant lobby for motorhome parking facilities gaining traction in the UK.
In NI there are over half a dozen Council provided Aires and in England quite a few councils are providing them too.

Here are two sources of information about current motorhome parking places in The UK

There are what might be termed 'private Aires' Motorhome Stopovers which has over 570 places free to members who subscribe £30 per year
and The Out and About Live Motorhome friendly parking guide, published by our friend MMM, which lists 674 free or pay&display parking places within public car parks or dedicated motorhome parking areas.

Not quite Mainland European availability but certainly going in the right direction unlike here.

*Kol* · 07-11-2014 12:27am

niloc1951 wrote: »

See 37 HERE

Thanks for that. I did look at that site when this thread opened but had forgotten about it. There is a long thread in Motorhome craic about this too.

Morgan The Moon · 08-11-2014 6:49pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

There is a significant lobby for motorhome parking facilities gaining traction in the UK.
In NI there are over half a dozen Council provided Aires and in England quite a few councils are providing them too.

Here are two sources of information about current motorhome parking places in The UK

There are what might be termed 'private Aires' Motorhome Stopovers which has over 570 places free to members who subscribe £30 per year
and The Out and About Live Motorhome friendly parking guide, published by our friend MMM, which lists 674 free or pay&display parking places within public car parks or dedicated motorhome parking areas.

Not quite Mainland European availability but certainly going in the right direction unlike here.

Considering the Motorhome Industry is significant and the large number of Motorhomes registered, our closest neighbours have failed dismally to embrace the idea of what we are looking for. Shackled to the Caravan Club lobby within the corridors of EU Parliament.

I accept the position that has developed in the North of Ireland. The facilities well documented and advertised are not as a direct implementation of EU Legislation. Neither are they the result of UK Government Policy or because of lobbying by the Caravan Club.

Enthusiasts and Councils, encouraged and educated by enthusiasts have resulted in the development of the facilities installed.

The MMM has a large readership and also accepts advertising from the main Motorhome manufactures, Motorhome suppliers and many of the industries suppliers of large quantities of the various additional pieces of equipment required by enthusiasts. I am unaware of any official lobbying of the UK Government or EU representative directly by the collective sector of the Motorhome Industry regarding the provision of public Motorhome facilities as provided in other EU states.

I repeat "failed dismally", I except the momentum is increasing and some headway is being made by enthusiasts. "Private Aires" Motorhome Stopovers which has over 570 places free to members who subscribe £30 per year. The problem as I see it is combined with the Caravan Club Certified Locations availability, it is making the EU position difficult to pursue as the UK Government consider facilities are available. Many are in my opinion difficult to use and often in areas were walking or cycling to places of interest is difficult. Correct me if I am wrong but many Cl operators have difficulty in gaining planning permission to "upsize" to allow ten Motorhomes use the site. Many have adequate areas and would like to upsize to enable some profit to be envisaged.

In Ireland there is a situation regarding various establishments that have agreed with a Motorhome Club to allow members to stay overnight. These such places are similar to some of the "Motorhome stopovers". The out and about live "Motorhome friendly parking guide is a collection of possible parking places. I'm sure many would agree considering the size and monetary value of the UK Motorhome Industry little has been accomplished in comparison to other EU States. Most of the lobbying is done by enthusiasts and not by the Industry.

The approach being made here in Ireland is in my opinion correct and selective to areas were there appears to be a good chance of success. Adopting an Irish name to define the "Motorhome placement" would in my opinion give weight to accessing funds to provide for the facilities. Once one is achieved, it adds weight to the next etc etc. In applying for funding an "Irish" name will enhance the possibilities.

As "Galway Port" had allowed some parking of Motorhomes and not advertised a restriction at the parking facility in it's conception, or had such a restriction notified as a condition of the planing conditions, retrospectively announcing such a restriction would have no legal standing. To attach a clamp or any other device to a vehicle parked in the area were no original restriction existed would be illegal.

Does anybody Know if the Port received any EU funding when the Electrical Points were installed ?

Morg.

Morgan The Moon · 13-01-2015 8:56pm

The Harbour Company has announced redevelopment plans.

The overall scheme is reportedly to take up to eight years to complete.

Pressure should be put on them to include facilities for Motorhomes.

They will probably be applying for any grant monies that are available.

E.U. Part funding for the plans they have lodged will probably be detailed shortly ! A good chance to convince them for an inclusion of a "Stad". I have detailed reasoning in other posts as to why an Irish named Motorhome "Aire" "Stellplatz" could also attract E.U. part funding. How these projects are funded in other countries is to apply for all possible individual aspects available and roll the accumulation into planned development.

To include a Motorhome facility in such a project would not be an E.U. first but it could be an Irish first.

Morg

niloc1951 · 18-01-2015 9:08pm

Cobh Town getting ready to cash in on the motor-home tourist

Morgan The Moon · 19-01-2015 1:17am

niloc1951 wrote: »

Cobh Town getting ready to cash in on the motor-home tourist

Hi Niloc1951,
Do you know if Cobh have requested for E.U. funding !! ?

niloc1951 · 19-01-2015 11:35am

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

Hi Niloc1951,
Do you know if Cobh have requested for E.U. funding !! ?

Don't know, but the cost of providing the parking is just that for a bit of paint to mark out the additional spaces. The signs are already in existence.
As regards the services, it looks like they will be part of the development of the new marina facility for boats, which is receiving local funding some of which is possibly originating from the EU. See HERE

Nivekork · 19-01-2015 11:41am

Thanks Niloc for the link to the East Cork Journal - well spotted.

Great to see Cobh developing - but the idea that in french Aires "Many pay between €20 - €30 to park up per night" is well wide of the mark. My experience is that charges in France range from €0 to €10 and usually less than €5 per night and charges above that range in Ireland are not realistic.

niloc1951 · 19-01-2015 1:53pm

Nivekork wrote: »

Thanks Niloc for the link to the East Cork Journal - well spotted.

Great to see Cobh developing - but the idea that in french Aires "Many pay between €20 - €30 to park up per night" is well wide of the mark. My experience is that charges in France range from €0 to €10 and usually less than €5 per night and charges above that range in Ireland are not realistic.

Looks like the reporter got his facts mixed up.
You are right about the charges for parking on Aires, the sums mentioned in the article are more typical of three or four star camp site charges, 'though basic municipal run campsites can be as low as €8 or €9 per night.

Morgan The Moon · 21-01-2015 12:00am

I have written to the Galway Harbour development team after reviewing the proposed redevelopment outline plans for Galway Harbour.

I have asked them to consider the inclusion of a Motorhome Parking / Services facilities in their proposals.

I have pointed out the possible attraction of E.U. Funding for inclusion of such a facility. I have also pointed out that an Irish wording for such a facility would also possibly attract some possible E.U. Funding.

Potentially within the whole development the costs of Motorhome facilities would not cost the project any more monies than was initially considered for their overall budget.

Galway planning authority may have to lobbied to allow such an inclusion.
TD's and MEP's may need to be lobbied should the Harbour Company wish to consider including a Motorhome facility. It would be helpful if some of the Motorhome clubs also contact the Harbour Development Team.

Morg

T650 · 29-01-2015 11:08am

In Germany for work this week. Saw an ad for The Wild Atlantic Way on tv last night. Note the camper van.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2ts4WBn9z0

piuswal · 01-02-2015 3:02am

T650 wrote: »

In Germany for work this week. Saw an ad for The Wild Atlantic Way on tv last night. Note the camper van.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2ts4WBn9z0

See some comment in Wild Atlantic Way thread.

Morgan The Moon · 01-02-2015 9:05pm

T650 wrote: »

In Germany for work this week. Saw an ad for The Wild Atlantic Way on tv last night. Note the camper van.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2ts4WBn9z0

Considering responses to approaches as to the basic needs for "motorcaravan" user's. It is"IRONIC" that an official tourist advert aimed at an audience that would expect somewhere signposted as to where they can empty their chemical toilets or take on fresh water, was filmed,produced and distributed is a joke!

Probably they do not even realise the subliminal inference of the inclusion of a "camper" in the advert.

As suggested in other posts, it would be interesting to see an audit of where the monies came from for this "misleading" advertising. E.U. Funds ? Maybe !

There again it may be useful for quoting it to all involved with the decision making regarding providing "aires" "stellplatz" or should we say "stad's" in Ireland.

Morg

*Kol* · 02-02-2015 1:37am

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

Considering responses to approaches as to the basic needs for "motorcaravan" user's. It is"IRONIC" that an official tourist advert aimed at an audience that would expect somewhere signposted as to where they can empty their chemical toilets or take on fresh water, was filmed,produced and distributed is a joke!

Probably they do not even realise the subliminal inference of the inclusion of a "camper" in the advert.

As suggested in other posts, it would be interesting to see an audit of where the monies came from for this "misleading" advertising. E.U. Funds ? Maybe !

There again it may be useful for quoting it to all involved with the decision making regarding providing "aires" "stellplatz" or should we say "stad's" in Ireland.

Morg

I don't think that the advert is misleading. There was a camper-van in it for half a second. It wasn't aimed specifically at MH users either. For me its an advert for the wild Atlantic way aimed at getting people to visit Ireland, nothing more. I don't think Failte Ireland are trying to get a subliminal message across.

niloc1951 · 02-02-2015 4:32pm

*Kol* wrote: »

I don't think that the advert is misleading. There was a camper-van in it for half a second. It wasn't aimed specifically at MH users either. For me its an advert for the wild Atlantic way aimed at getting people to visit Ireland, nothing more. I don't think Failte Ireland are trying to get a subliminal message across.

Have to disagree.
The inclusion of the iconic VW T2 Campervan does subliminally invite motorhome owners to experience the WAW.

While we locals know that the WAW is currently not motorhome friendly with regard to Aire type facilities it will come as a most unpleasant surprise to those from mainland Europe who are used to such being available on Driving Routes elsewhere in Europe.

*Kol* · 02-02-2015 7:15pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Have to disagree.
The inclusion of the iconic VW T2 Campervan does subliminally invite motorhome owners to experience the WAW.

While we locals know that the WAW is currently not motorhome friendly with regard to Aire type facilities it will come as a most unpleasant surprise to those from mainland Europe who are used to such being available on Driving Routes elsewhere in Europe.

I think you are reading too much into it.

Irishgoatman · 02-02-2015 7:59pm

I have to agree with *Kol* on this one.

I fail to see how watching a small VW T2 campervan going down a narrow, twisty road, that has no road markings, would make owners of motorhomes think that they will find the type of services that are available in mainland europe.

moodrater · 02-02-2015 9:07pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

I fail to see how watching a small VW T2 campervan going down a narrow, twisty road, that has no road markings, would make owners of motorhomes think that they will find the type of services that are available in mainland europe.

They don't need any TV ad to make those assumptions. If you talk to tourists or read the german forums those that didn't do their research spend a lot of time in aldi car parks at a loss for places to park and those that have done their research are still generally shocked by the height barriers everywhere. In france there are height barriers everywhere too but there is always unbarriered parking nearby.

niloc1951 · 02-02-2015 10:23pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

I have to agree with *Kol* on this one.

I fail to see how watching a small VW T2 campervan going down a narrow, twisty road, that has no road markings, would make owners of motorhomes think that they will find the type of services that are available in mainland europe.

It's not that anything in the advertisement actively indicates that motorhome parking areas are likely to be provided.
It's the use of a campervan without any indication that there exists no parking or service areas for such a vehicle which is misleading.

To a mainland European unfamiliar with the restrictions and lack of parking/service facilities for such vehicles it is not unreasonable to make the assumption that such tourists would expect facilities which they are accustomed to being provided on such routes elsewhere in Europe.

Any who take up the invitation of the advertisement and do come here may be very disappointing and will inevitably add to the bad press we already receive regarding our lack of parking areas and service areas for touring motorhomes.

Irishgoatman · 03-02-2015 1:52am

Whilst I agree that the facilities for motorhomes/campervans here are really non-existent I still find it hard to believe that anyone would bring a large(ish) vehicle over without chatting to others who have been here. Surely you would suss out the country you are going to and not just assume anything?.

Back in the mid 70's I converted a 53 seater coach to a motorhome for myself and my family to tour europe for a couple of years. But first of all I spoke to friends who had travelled through the countries that we would be going to. This, to me, made sense. (and we had no problems).

In no way am I defending the lack of facilities here, just sticking by the comments in my previous post.

At the end of the day "caveat emptor" really does apply, even it we are not happy about it.:(

AutostratusEB · 03-02-2015 11:18am

It would appear that the sign that started this entire thread off has been removed. Now there just appears to be smaller signs which say "privately operated car parking". Also some of the quayside 16A supplies have been covered up - this could be just a maintenance thing though.
Go figure.

Odyssey 2005 · 03-02-2015 11:57am

AutostratusEB wrote: »

It would appear that the sign that started this entire thread off has been removed. Now there just appears to be smaller signs which say "privately operated car parking". Also some of the quayside 16A supplies have been covered up - this could be just a maintenance thing though.
Go figure.

I have been following this for a while now. This post however as soon as I read it sounds like a thinly veiled threat,whereby you will if you park in this car park you may or may not have to deal with a private company if you are clamped. They don't mention clappers but on reading the post,to me it's implied. As for the bollards covered up,again to me this says P.F.O. But it could be maintainence :rolleyes:

Galway Harbour Company has banned Motorhome Parking

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