Galway Harbour Company has banned Motorhome Parking

CJhaughey · 24-10-2014 10:11pm

campingcarist wrote: »

Is that just your literal translation or the correct gaelige for a Motorhome?

I really don't understand why there is a need to convert to Irish translation, surely Camper parking is universal and well understood by the majority of the camper driving population?
Using a transliteration is kind of twee IMHO.
Flame away if you want, its like Helicopterí or whatever I heard the other day.
Just use the word helicopter if there isn't an Irish word for it.

Morgan The Moon · 24-10-2014 11:15pm

Des32 wrote: »

They could be called "fáilte"

Good idea ! "fáilte páirceála Bhaile Mótair" Maybe ! the welcome !! might get councillors thinking. My experience generally is to float the idea to the local shopowners and small business that would gain from the added potential custom. Bakers, tobacconist, newspapers, gift shops, restaurants and our fantastic pubs. We are customers that do not have to worry about driving home !!

The anti Motorcarvan brigade need to be informed that we have money to spend, it doesn't matter how much at any one time. The spend is constant, every day. Most of us have seen the "sleepy little French Village Aire" it is very rare to pull up and be on your own !!

If we had these opportunities here the whole country would benefit.

Lets try to stop using the term "wild camping" unless your in the field, up a mountain, with your tent and backpack.

Specifically in Galway, many "marinas" in Europe have realised the MH's require the same needs as "visiting yachts". Many charge a small fee, it helps with their overheads. Do any of the councillors own shops or a boat / yacht ? To allow MH parking in the marina may just help Galway conform to EU regulations requiring to provide designated parking solution for "any type of visiting vehicle".

Does any body know how the parking of coaches / tour buses are facilitated ?

Remember we are not "camping", we are parking. This terminology has already been described by nilloc, he is absolutely correct and the term is also now defined on "Wikipedia" as is the terms "aire" "stelplatz" etc. If on this forum we can come up with an acceptable Irish Term, we could submit it to be included in "Wikipedia". We could then inform RTE and others as to the recognition of the existence of the "Irish" facility.

Morg

gozunda · 24-10-2014 11:37pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

... If on this forum we can come up with an acceptable Irish Term, we could submit it to be included in "Wikipedia". We could then inform RTE and others as to the recognition of the existence of the "Irish" facility.

Morg

I would put forward the word "Stad" as a fairly good acceptable irish term for designated motorhomes parking. Relatively easy to pronounce - it is also easily spelt and would be easy to spot for visitors whose English/Irish language skills might not be perfect. Translated it means to draw up / stop and is used in connection with other terms such as 'stad cuairte' meaning a port of call for boats etc. (Aire in French simply means 'area')

Edit: 'Aire' in Irish translates as 'danger'!

I agree that a rebranding of the whole motorhome image would be a good idea. There is an existing perception that Motorhomes have unfortunately developed imo. Whilst this may be relegated to rogue individuals who really don't give a damn about where they park / dispose of waste or cause other issues unfortunately these issues have cast a long shadow on all motorhome activity. I know this came up in discussion before and there appeared to be little willingness to accept that this could be the case. ( and I had my head chewed off to boot for daring to suggest same!) However placing ones head in the sand either is not going help. From what I can see it does look like tighter regulations will come in to cover some of these issues.
Of interest presuming the likes of Youghal and other towns do provide designated motorhome parking - what if anything are other motorhome owners willing to pay for such services?

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 12:19am

CJhaughey wrote: »

I really don't understand why there is a need to convert to Irish translation, surely Camper parking is universal and well understood by the majority of the camper driving population?
Using a transliteration is kind of twee IMHO.
Flame away if you want, its like Helicopterí or whatever I heard the other day.
Just use the word helicopter if there isn't an Irish word for it.

You are right, but if we convinced the "Anti Brigade" there may be some way of a town or village getting funding to provide what is our right. Using the "Irish" angle may just open some minds into thinking we are worth supporting.

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 12:30am

gozunda wrote: »

I would put forward the word "Stad" as a fairly good acceptable irish term for designated motorhomes parking. Relatively easy to pronounce - it is also easily spelt and would be easy to spot for visitors whose English/Irish language skills might not be perfect. Translated it means to draw up / stop and is used in connection with other terms such as 'stad cuairte' meaning a port of call for boats etc. (Aire in French simply means 'area')

That sounds good to me, lets see if others agree. Morg

Of interest presuming the likes of Youghal and other towns do provide designated motorhome parking - what if anything are other motorhome owners willing to pay for such services?

That may be a problem, if we are honest we would all like it for nothing. Some are for nothing in other EU countries and some are for small modest fee's. The worst are "campsites" jumping on the bandwagon and offering overpriced unsuitable services in many instances.

Morg

CJhaughey · 25-10-2014 12:33am

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

You are right, but if we convinced the "Anti Brigade" there may be some way of a town or village getting funding to provide what is our right. Using the "Irish" angle may just open some minds into thinking we are worth supporting.

Would it not be easier to work with areas that already support Motorhoming then try and convert the unwashed?
If you could get funding for Cobh or Midleton or Dungarvan to put in better facilities it would show Galway and the small minded individuals in a poor light.
Easier to work with than against etc etc.

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 12:45am

CJhaughey wrote: »

Would it not be easier to work with areas that already support Motorhoming then try and convert the unwashed?
If you could get funding for Cobh or Midleton or Dungarvan to put in better facilities it would show Galway and the small minded individuals in a poor light.
Easier to work with than against etc etc.

Again you are right but "branding" seems to be the in word with certain "purse string holding pen pushers" if using anything available to get them to "think" they have a new idea, do any of us really care what the facility is called !

Morg

piuswal · 25-10-2014 12:52am

Delighted to see more users making the case.

The economic argument has been made to most businesses in Dungarvan.

The response was underwhelming, unless they have lobbied their Councillors and just not responded to my email.

However a representative of the Phoenix Club will be making the total case to Dungarvan and Lismore Councillors prior to their November meeting.

From what I've read of their(Phoenix Club) viewpoint and heard what the rep had to say on Galway Local Radio I've no doubt that the best possible case will be made,

I'm not sure if they were aware of the EU angle but no doubt it will be used if considered suitable.

Nonetheless I feel the more that canvass the local Councillors, email addresses provided in an earlier pots, the better.

gozunda · 25-10-2014 7:46am

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

That may be a problem, if we are honest we would all like it for nothing. Some are for nothing in other EU countries and some are for small modest fee's. The worst are "campsites" jumping on the bandwagon and offering overpriced unsuitable services in many instances.

Morg

I agree also its nice to have free facilities however the disposal of waste / water / rubbish I believe should be covered if used. The other important point is that some form of cover charge will likely keep out more permanent residents that may wish to avail of said facilities.

CJhaughey · 25-10-2014 8:44am

gozunda wrote: »

The other important point is that some form of cover charge will likely keep out more permanent residents that may wish to avail of said facilities.

Maximum length of stay, same as Aires in France.

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 11:41am

gozunda wrote: »

I agree also its nice to have free facilities however the disposal of waste / water / rubbish I believe should be covered if used. The other important point is that some form of cover charge will likely keep out more permanent residents that may wish to avail of said facilities.

Again you are right. The service machinery differs throughout the EU. Some charge a modest fee for fresh water, some charge for waste etc. Some charge nothing. Some sites have a "parking ticket" machine with an hourly, daily and overnight charge.

The "policing" of some sites is rigorous and some not. The policing of most sites is rigorous, I know the "police" in some member states " take action straight away", they direct the "Itinerants" to municipal camp-sites. Another aspect of EU legislation that is not complied with in Ireland. Many "stelplatz" in Germany do not have a time restriction, some restrict to 24hr, 48hr, etc. I am told this is to enable "police" to removed unwanted elements were the Municipal option doesn't exist.

Interesting : when travelling through out the EU, many fellow "Motorhome Enthusiasts" tell of their visits to Ireland, I have never heard a total negative of their overall experience. They find the "parking issue" challenging and it does get mentioned as a negative. Most people that come here with a Motorhome travel for six to eight weeks around Ireland. Some of course travel for shorter periods. Whatever, they are spending money!! Any facilities that are installed by local councils would generate income into the local economy.

Morg

Irishgoatman · 25-10-2014 1:04pm

Although I agree with most of the postings, so far, I do have a few questions, and thoughts, that relate to small MH's, ones that, apart from the height, are no bigger than a 4 x 4 or large car (I had a Mark 10 Jaguar at one time that was much bigger than my MH !! )

In countries that have designated parking areas are MH's banned from parking on public roads/car parks?.

In these countries are there seperate charges for parking, elec, water etc? do they have toilet facilities ? (Ireland is well known for its lack of public toilets). I carry enough water for the 2 or 3 days that I'm away, I have a solar panel on the roof that keeps the leisure batt charged and don't have elec hook-up.

All that I and many other small MH owners require is somewhere to park within reasonable proximity of a toilet which usually, I'm obviously reluctant to say, is a pub car park (It's a hard life).

With regard to the naming of a parking area, although it would be nice to have it in Irish, it must be remembered that there are millions of people that speak German, French and English but not so many Irish speakers. How about a picture of a MH with the word "Failte".

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 4:01pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Although I agree with most of the postings, so far, I do have a few questions, and thoughts, that relate to small MH's, ones that, apart from the height, are no bigger than a 4 x 4 or large car (I had a Mark 10 Jaguar at one time that was much bigger than my MH !! )

In countries that have designated parking areas are MH's banned from parking on public roads/car parks?.

In these countries are there seperate charges for parking, elec, water etc? do they have toilet facilities ? (Ireland is well known for its lack of public toilets). I carry enough water for the 2 or 3 days that I'm away, I have a solar panel on the roof that keeps the leisure batt charged and don't have elec hook-up.

All that I and many other small MH owners require is somewhere to park within reasonable proximity of a toilet which usually, I'm obviously reluctant to say, is a pub car park (It's a hard life).

With regard to the naming of a parking area, although it would be nice to have it in Irish, it must be remembered that there are millions of people that speak German, French and English but not so many Irish speakers. How about a picture of a MH with the word "Failte".

I will post a link to some you tube videos that will explain allot of what is out there. With your set up, you would be able to park almost anywhere, with the added advantage when and if you need it you can get services with out being ripped off by campsite charges. Incidentally, many campsites in Denmark have a quick stop availability. Some times outside the main camping area just for motorhomes, campers vans, en-route caravans etc.
some are 12hrs, 24hrs. Normally you cannot use the main campsite facilities just, services etc.

I agree with the picture of a MH with the word "Failte". For signage etc, but I still think an agreeable "Irish" word maybe helpful in opening certain peoples minds to accommodating our needs. When you see the you tube videos you will see there is a total package just waiting to be seized on by an Irish based entrepreneur.

Morg

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 4:04pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

I will post a link to some you tube videos that will explain allot of what is out there. With your set up, you would be able to park almost anywhere, with the added advantage when and if you need it you can get services with out being ripped off by campsite charges. Incidentally, many campsites in Denmark have a quick stop availability. Some times outside the main camping area just for motorhomes, campers vans, en-route caravans etc.
some are 12hrs, 24hrs. Normally you cannot use the main campsite facilities just, services etc.

I agree with the picture of a MH with the word "Failte". For signage etc, but I still think an agreeable "Irish" word maybe helpful in opening certain peoples minds to accommodating our needs. When you see the you tube videos you will see there is a total package just waiting to be seized on by an Irish based entrepreneur.

Morg

Would you be willing to pay for that total package that is just waiting to be seized on by an Irish based entrepreneur? That is a question that was asked in an earlier post which I see has so far not been answered?

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 4:29pm

*Kol* wrote: »

Would you be willing to pay for that total package that is just waiting to be seized on by an Irish based entrepreneur? That is a question that was asked in an earlier post which I see has so far not been answered?

I am not quite sure what you are asking ? Sorry I haven't seen the earlier posts you refer to.

Maybe you can help me with posting url's and links to you tube. I tried but I am getting the new user restriction blockage.

Morg

Irishgoatman · 25-10-2014 4:38pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

I will post a link to some you tube videos that will explain allot of what is out there. With your set up, you would be able to park almost anywhere, with the added advantage when and if you need it you can get services with out being ripped off by campsite charges. Incidentally, many campsites in Denmark have a quick stop availability. Some times outside the main camping area just for motorhomes, campers vans, en-route caravans etc.
some are 12hrs, 24hrs. Normally you cannot use the main campsite facilities just, services etc.

I agree with the picture of a MH with the word "Failte". For signage etc, but I still think an agreeable "Irish" word maybe helpful in opening certain peoples minds to accommodating our needs. When you see the you tube videos you will see there is a total package just waiting to be seized on by an Irish based entrepreneur.

Morg

Thanks Morg, with my set-up I've never had any parking problems (unlike in the '70's when I converted a 53 seater coach, now that was a problem!) so I could stick my head in the sand and not get involved, but that's not the way my mind works.
The main problem for me is that having had 3 spinal ops. in the last three and a half years I can't walk far so need to be in a town or village.
I agree that having some Irish on signs could open peoples minds. As far as the "total package" is concerned are we out of the recession enough for someone to put money into what could be a long term investment?. Far better for councils to do it as an amenity that would benefit the whole community imo.

I look forward to the links as I never take my MH out of the country.

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 4:51pm

The main problem for me is that having had 3 spinal ops. in the last three and a half years I can't walk far so need to be in a town or village.

Sorry to learn of your difficulties, most "Aire's" "Stellplatz" "Sosta's" are exactly what would enable enthusiasts with disabilities enjoy a new found freedom. Safe overnight parking in the heart of villages, towns and even Cities. Services if you need them, but you only pay for what you use.

Morg

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 5:16pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

I am not quite sure what you are asking ? Sorry I haven't seen the earlier posts you refer to.

Maybe you can help me with posting url's and links to you tube. I tried but I am getting the new user restriction blockage.

Morg

I am asking how much should be charged for these facilities if they are not free? It was asked earlier in a post by Gozuna ( you replied to that post). I don't see why they should be free as there will be a cost associated with providing and maintaining them.

Irishgoatman · 25-10-2014 5:22pm

*Kol* wrote: »

I am asking how much should be charged for these facilities if they are not free? I don't see why they should be free as there will be a cost associated with providing and maintaining them. You can pm me the youtube links and I will post them

I completely agree as far as charges are concerned. As Morg said, pay only for what you use, be it just parking facilities or the whole package.
Even to the extent of coin slot toilets, after all, they use water which has to be paid for (but that's an issue for another thread!).

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 5:27pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

I completely agree as far as charges are concerned. As Morg said, pay only for what you use, be it just parking facilities or the whole package.
Even to the extent of coin slot toilets, after all, they use water which has to be paid for (but that's an issue for another thread!).

Agreed. But what do you think is a fair price for overnight parking?

campingcarist · 25-10-2014 7:22pm

Wouldn't it be great if either Aldi or Lidl allowed motorhomes to park overnight in their parking areas. They would sure get my business in the morning, for breakfast and maybe the rest of the day's shopping.

killalanerr · 25-10-2014 8:28pm

What an interesting thread this has turned into,As for the OP I'm still at as loss as to why the the council are taking this line with the harbour company but it is very encouraging to see the pressure they are coming under to explain the decision
I do agree it is time that the whole hobby of motorhomeing be marketed in a different light in this country,I do feel that the general public are not fully aware of what we are about re our needs and the benefits we would bring to an area,but it would take careful management, when you court the press and government it only takes one or two bad apples to show us in a bad light, which makes it very important to act responsibly when we are out in our vans,

As for what i would be willing to pay to stay in an irish STAD (I like that name). It would come down to supply and demand as when we travel in Europe a popular tourist area would command a better price than a out of the way area and then again it would depend on the services available , If euro funding is available i feel we would have a lot more interest in providing services
Time to get lobbying

JonMac · 25-10-2014 8:39pm

In the USA Walmart welcomes overnighting RV's. They are the owners of Asda. No facilities, but a safe place to park [not camp!].

Irishgoatman · 25-10-2014 8:49pm

*Kol* wrote: »

Agreed. But what do you think is a fair price for overnight parking?

If the parking areas were council owned then, like the car parks and on street parking, there's no reason why there should be a charge for nighttime except for other services that are provided. Daytime parking charges could be the same as car parks.

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 8:49pm

*Kol* wrote: »

Agreed. But what do you think is a fair price for overnight parking?

Hi Kol,
I have pm'ed the url's and you tube links. Hope that works OK.

I am sorry I miss understood your post re price.

The free sites I have come across are either fully developed wIth EU funds or totaly supported by the local council and business.

Enjoy the vids,

Morg

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 8:49pm

You tube links from Morgan.

http://www.mobilisten.de/stellplaetz...-hitzacker.php

This stellplatz was founded by EU Funds. For six years after completion they cannot charge a fee for overnight parking. ie. as a EU citizen you have already paid. ie your taxes.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMjCjJkxsSk

Bienenbuettel, another EU part funded stellplatz.
Overnight cost here was 6,-Euro for parking, water and electricity was extera. Dumping grey water and chemical toilet was

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 8:55pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

If the parking areas were council owned then, like the car parks and on street parking, there's no reason why there should be a charge for nighttime except for other services that are provided. Daytime parking charges could be the same as car parks.

I agree if it's open to cars and campervans. If it's specific to campervans there should be an overnight charge. A nominal fee for water would be fair and black water disposal. Grey water disposal should be FOC.

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 8:58pm

Hi Kol,
The link to Hitzacker did not work.

Can you try again but include the whole directory as I posted.

include the deutschland/29456-hitzacker.php

Morg

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 9:07pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

Hi Kol,
The link to Hitzacker did not work.

Can you try again but include the whole directory as I posted.

include the deutschland/29456-

Morg

www.mobilisten.de/stellplaetze/deutschland/29456-hitzacker.php

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 9:09pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

If the parking areas were council owned then, like the car parks and on street parking, there's no reason why there should be a charge for nighttime except for other services that are provided. Daytime parking charges could be the same as car parks.

In some Welsh Car Parks, overnight cost is £0.50, ie. Conway Castle, no services, two mins walk into the centre.

Brecon, £0.50, no services.

Hay on Wye. £0.50 no service's

But we are welcome for 24 hr's in any seven days. ie Stay a night and move along. Do'nt return within seven days.

Morg

Morgan The Moon · 25-10-2014 9:30pm

JonMac wrote: »

In the USA Walmart welcomes overnighting RV's. They are the owners of Asda. No facilities, but a safe place to park [not camp!].

Some Tesco stores over the water will let you stay. Arrive before closing buy some groceries and ask. I have never been refused !!

Morg

*Kol* · 25-10-2014 11:39pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

Some Tesco stores over the water will let you stay. Arrive before closing buy some groceries and ask. I have never been refused !!

Morg

That's nice of them. If that was my car park I wouldn't let you stay in case something happened to you and in some way I was liable. Unfortunately that's the litigious society we live in.

piuswal · 26-10-2014 12:48am

Many Supermarches in France also allow overnight stays.

Thanks for Stellplaz link - looks nice

Irishgoatman · 26-10-2014 1:57pm

*Kol* wrote: »

I agree if it's open to cars and campervans. If it's specific to campervans there should be an overnight charge. A nominal fee for water would be fair and black water disposal. Grey water disposal should be FOC.

Although I would have no objections to a small charge I really don't see that it would be justified, and I would certainly object to cars being allowed to use the parking spaces. There are plenty of car parks that are free for overnight and weekend parking and they have height barriers to prevent larger vehicles using them.
Out of season, Oct - March ?, perhaps open to all and sundry but during the main MH season MH's only imo.

Morg & Kol, thanks for the links. Very interesting.
I took my converted coach and toured Germany for a couple of months, back in the 70's, with my (then) wife and children, liked it so much we rented a house and stayed for 2 years about 50km from Dortmund. Would love to go back but don't think my little MH would be up to it:(, and now that I'm a pensioner the cost would be a little out of my range.

Morgan The Moon · 26-10-2014 4:12pm

Reasons why EU, Irish Government and Councils should provide parking and services for Motorhomes, Campervans etc.

As enthusiast we all pay tax.

If you import a MH, you pay VRT, and VAT. Part of any VAT collected is passed on to EU coffers. Were does the VRT go?
Every drop of diesel, you pay tax and VAT.
Every thing you buy to enhance your chosen way of enjoying your pastime / way of life, you pay tax and VAT.

There is a business sector servicing our needs, garages, spares, leisure equipment etc. They all pay tax and VAT.

If it was all quantified it would add up to a fair old some each year.

Does anybody know anything provided for our chosen pastime by The Government or by the EU, in Ireland.

When we are out and about we spend money in local economies, every transaction we pay tax ! The local council charges rates etc to local business. Part of that money is from us.

Local councils, if they provided the facilities would potentially be able to apply for funding from the EU to install the necessary equipment. The Irish Government should part fund the cost. With Tax money they are getting of us.

Eventually they would get there money back !! Why, because part of the cost of using the facilities would be the dreaded TAX !

So know you see were I am coming from, we pay for the things in one way or another. Hence that is why in other EU States they do not ROB you to use the facilities.

We even have to pay Tax to drive on the crap roads.

Morg

niloc1951 · 27-10-2014 6:19pm

*Kol* wrote: »

I am asking how much should be charged for these facilities if they are not free? It was asked earlier in a post by Gozuna ( you replied to that post). I don't see why they should be free as there will be a cost associated with providing and maintaining them.

I've covered over 91,000kms touring Europe since 2006 and must have used hundreds of motorhome parking areas. I've seen the good the bad and the ugly:D.
The price range is €0.00 to €12.00 the offering is parking for 24 hours and service.
Sometimes the services are charged for usually a max of €3, others it's included in the fee but often both the parking and services are provided at the expense of the local council to encourage visitors to their area.
The higher price range would be a high demand resort area in high season, but such areas would reduced their charges to €5/€7 on the off season.

campingcarist · 28-10-2014 11:22am

niloc1951 wrote: »

I've covered over 91,000kms touring Europe since 2006 and must have used hundreds of motorhome parking areas. I've seen the good the bad and the ugly:D.
The price range is €0.00 to €12.00 the offering is parking for 24 hours and service.
Sometimes the services are charged for usually a max of €3, others it's included in the fee but often both the parking and services are provided at the expense of the local council to encourage visitors to their area.
The higher price range would be a high demand resort area in high season, but such areas would reduced their charges to €5/€7 on the off season.

In France, I often spend two nights in one place - arrive in the, usually, late afternoon, do my sight seeing the next day, stay the night and head on the following morning. Thus the town or village gets good business from me.

Occassionally, I go to a camp site, usually if I consider the area might not be too safe if I am awayt for the day. In September, the most I paid was €18 for a great site with swimming pool, shop, excellent washing,toilet and laundry facilities; most of the site had individual spaces surrounded by a tall hedge on three sides. As the site was close to Switzerland and Geneva, I presume that is the reason it was so expensive! Took the bus to Geneva for the day.

Stayed 2 days in Aix-les-Bains where there was nor enough space for all the motorhomes and the town opened the height barriers to the car park across the road, to let the overflow in. Excellent location near restaurants and only 50 metres to the lakeside and harbour. NO CHARGE.

Bruffkid · 28-10-2014 12:39pm

Hi Folks

here is a link to Galway Bay FM re the parking ban

Galway Bay FM program, please click here:

http://galwaybayfm.ie/keith-finnegan-show-october-22nd-2014/

Motorhome discussion starts at 18minutes

Bruffkid · 28-10-2014 12:57pm

My wife & i went to Normandy France this August first time with my Motorhome i could no get over the way the treat Motorhomes over there we stayed in Aries sites for the Two weeks the cheapest was free the dearest was €12.30 included hookup, water, & WI-Fi .. We spent our money in the Villages & Towns we went to and enjoyed every minuter so relaxing.. Then we get back Home to reality Killarney for instance €25 + €5 Hookup for one night you would never use €5 in electric.. This country need to embrace Motorhomes because they bring a lot of Money into the country re Diesel Food & Drink but it seems the people with the Power don't see this.

Morgan The Moon · 28-10-2014 1:34pm

Just listened to the Interview!!

Take bow Colin, well done you represented the Motorhome fraternity very well. Thanks.

Morg

gozunda · 28-10-2014 3:32pm

Morgan The Moon wrote: »

Reasons why EU, Irish Government and Councils should provide parking and services for Motorhomes, Campervans etc.

As enthusiast we all pay tax.

If you import a MH, you pay VRT, and VAT. Part of any VAT collected is passed on to EU coffers. Were does the VRT go?
Every drop of diesel, you pay tax and VAT.
Every thing you buy to enhance your chosen way of enjoying your pastime / way of life, you pay tax and VAT.

There is a business sector servicing our needs, garages, spares, leisure equipment etc. They all pay tax and VAT.

If it was all quantified it would add up to a fair old some each year.

Does anybody know anything provided for our chosen pastime by The Government or by the EU, in Ireland.

When we are out and about we spend money in local economies, every transaction we pay tax ! The local council charges rates etc to local business. Part of that money is from us.

Local councils, if they provided the facilities would potentially be able to apply for funding from the EU to install the necessary equipment. The Irish Government should part fund the cost. With Tax money they are getting of us.

Eventually they would get there money back !! Why, because part of the cost of using the facilities would be the dreaded TAX !

So know you see were I am coming from, we pay for the things in one way or another. Hence that is why in other EU States they do not ROB you to use the facilities.

We even have to pay Tax to drive on the crap roads.

Morg

I agree with all that you have said above

But - unfortunately these arguments will most likley be ignored by the powers that be because it can be argued that they relate to pretty much every hobby / pastimes for instance vintage car enthusiasts, fly fishing, motorcyclists etc. - all which can be said to contribute to local economies in one way or another.

I am not saying that the government should not up the ante in relation to service provision but this particular argument won't work imo.

Local and central goverment here only start to provide facilities in my experience where they can generate direct revenue or else leave it to the private sector to do so. Neither does there appear to be any legal direction or necessity to provide such services either. Blind it may be but that largely is the situation at present.

Tbh I can see a better prospect in local community groups developing / providing facilities and who wish to inject some life and economic activity into their towns and surrounding areas. Some towns have recently brought together business to encourage local economic activity - I wonder if any of them have even considered the value of encouraging motorhome owners?

Morgan The Moon · 28-10-2014 5:12pm

gozunda wrote: »

I agree with all that you have said above

But - unfortunately these arguments will most likley be ignored by the powers that be because it can be argued that they relate to pretty much every hobby / pastimes for instance vintage car enthusiasts, fly fishing, motorcyclists etc. - all which can be said to contribute to local economies in one way or another.

I am not saying that the government should not up the ante in relation to service provision but this particular argument won't work imo.

Local and central goverment here only start to provide facilities in my experience where they can generate direct revenue or else leave it to the private sector to do so. Neither does there appear to be any legal direction or necessity to provide such services either. Blind it may be but that largely is the situation at present.

Tbh I can see a better prospect in local community groups developing / providing facilities and who wish to inject some life and economic activity into their towns and surrounding areas. Some towns have recently brought together business to encourage local economic activity - I wonder if any of them have even considered the value of encouraging motorhome owners?

I agree with your points, However, how is it other EU States can source and secure funding for "Aire's" "Stelplatz" etc. If the funding is there and in respect of Galway Harbour, as it is a "port" funding is definitely available for uprating it's facility. As a yacht harbour it must have a solution for handling chemical disposal. I am referring directly to toilets etc of visiting yachts. To included catering for motorcaravan enthusiast needs is done in other EU states so why not here. My point is that there are monies available, it is required to be applied for correctly. On the suggestion of adopting an Irish name there are funds available specifically for aspects of tourism promotion in the Irish language. The more angles that are presented may just start the ball rolling. As we are surrounded by water there would be a fair few ports that could apply.

Morg

killalanerr · 28-10-2014 6:21pm

This came up a while back,waterways Ireland do a super job for the boating community with large wads of tax money being spend maintaining inland waterways, It is my dream that we would have a similar state funded body looking after our needs
One can only dream...

niloc1951 · 28-10-2014 8:46pm

More to-day on Galway Bay FM.

Listen HERE at 01:32:35 and 02:01:05

piuswal · 30-10-2014 9:25pm

What MH magazine was referred to in radio broadcast of 28th?

Recent article from Dungarvan attached. Should be legible.

Irishgoatman · 31-10-2014 12:49pm

piuswal wrote: »

What MH magazine was referred to in radio broadcast of 28th?

Recent article from Dungarvan attached. Should be legible.

Interesting article, but with cllr Doocey suggesting that if an area was created then Camping site owners shouldn't have to pay rates I can't see it happening. It's obvious who he represents.

Would I want to pay 10 euro per night just to park?, bearing in mind that I don't use the services mentioned, then the answer is no way. If it was for a maximum of 24 hrs then perhaps.

*Kol* · 31-10-2014 2:50pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Interesting article, but with cllr Doocey suggesting that if an area was created then Camping site owners shouldn't have to pay rates I can't see it happening. It's obvious who he represents.

Would I want to pay 10 euro per night just to park?, bearing in mind that I don't use the services mentioned, then the answer is no way. If it was for a maximum of 24 hrs then perhaps.

I agree, the €10 should be for a 24 hour period in rural areas. It's not like you are taking up a prime parking space in the middle of a city.

Morgan The Moon · 31-10-2014 4:45pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Interesting article, but with cllr Doocey suggesting that if an area was created then Camping site owners shouldn't have to pay rates I can't see it happening. It's obvious who he represents.

Would I want to pay 10 euro per night just to park?, bearing in mind that I don't use the services mentioned, then the answer is no way. If it was for a maximum of 24 hrs then perhaps.

Your absolutely right. I do not see why he thinks, "Camping site owners shouldn't have to pay rates" ? Why not ? Because the council has recognised that Motorhomes have a right to park!!

That has got nothing to do with camping site owners, they should lobby for an annual tax to be paid on caravans and tents. We all know what they would be told to do if they tried that one.

If the Council put in the required services , the use of the services could be charged for if they felt it was necessary. A parking fee ! If one is necessary it should not penalise a Motorhome user in comparison to other parking facility user's. If they segregate an area of an existing car park facility maybe a small charge might be acceptable. The charge for overnight in many car parks is allot lower than the daytime rates. In segregated car parks 24 hr charge is often applied. Hopefully they will listen when different options are suggested. It is worrying that the start off figure is so high.

If they secure EU funding it should not be chargeable until the period of time has elapsed that is enshrined, into the rules of such funding.

niloc1951 · 31-10-2014 5:46pm

There are many motorhome parking areas which are a segregated off part of a bigger parking area for other vehicles, Flower Planter or Armco barriers are sometime used.

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.

Irishgoatman · 31-10-2014 5:54pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

There are many motorhome parking areas which are a segregated off part of a bigger parking area for other vehicles, Flower Planter or Armco barriers are sometime used.

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.

Are there any of these in Ireland? I haven't seen any.

Galway Harbour Company has banned Motorhome Parking

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