Iarnród Éireann refuses to answer queries on cost of clampers

THERE WERE robust exchanges at the Oireachtas Transport Committee yesterday as Iarnród Éireann refused to answer questions on how much the company was paying clampers to enforce its new pay-parking regime.

The company said estimates it would earn €1 million in parking revenue and pay the clampers €2 million a year were inaccurate.

Some 13,000 parking spaces at 37 rail stations across the State are to be subject to a charge of €2 per day or €8 per week.

Those who buy a weekly ticket, however, will not be guaranteed a parking space as spaces will remain on a "first come, first served" basis.

Outlining the company plans yesterday, CIÉ group property manager Niall Grogan cited financial confidentiality in refusing to tell the committee how much the clamping company would be paid.

This led to protests from committee members, with Fine Gael transport spokesman Fergus O'Dowd vowing he would "not accept the culture" of the State company. "If you are not going to be transparent on this . . . then I am not satisfied", he said, adding: "You get taxpayers' money."

Earlier Mr O'Dowd told company managing director Dick Fearn that commuter fares to Dublin from north of Balbriggan were almost double those between Balbriggan and Dublin. The customers already felt "ripped off".

Labour's Tommy Broughan said the company had engaged in a public relations disaster, and had "wiped out all the good will" which had arisen in recent years.

However, Mr Fearn insisted "like any property owner, we are going to decide how best to use that property". While the introduction of parking charges would not make any money this year or next, they would be a long-term asset.

The charges, which began at Dart stations and the Northern Line this month, are to be rolled out by December 1st.