Anger over rail parking charges

IARNRÓD ÉIREANN was last night accused of imposing a “stealth tax” on commuters who park at stations.

Fine Gael Transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd said passengers face being “ripped off” over new tolls at 37 train stops.

“From today Irish Rail begins the roll-out of pay parking at nine stations, with commuters who in many cases have no option but to try and park at the station to catch the train to work, forced to pay €2 per day or €8 per week for parking,” he said. “This pay and display system will be rolled out at a total of 37 stations in coming months. As CIÉ will be getting increased revenue from this pay-parking system, there should be a reduction in the amount the company gets from the Government in subsidies.

“While I have no problem charging people who park at railway stations infrequently, it is extremely unfair on those who have already bought weekly, monthly or annual travel tickets for their commute, so they should be exempt from the charge,” said Mr O’Dowd.

“Many commuters either walk or cycle to their local station, but this is not always possible...

“This latest stealth tax is an arrogant move by a company with a monopoly. There has been no public consultation on this new system, which will hit commuters who are already finding their take home pay reduced because of the spiralling cost of living,” he said.