Irish motorhome body backs bylaws in Cork to curtail rogue owners

It comes after complaints in Co Cork about rogue owners parking dangerously, and others dumping human waste kept in their vehicles’ storage tanks at scenic areas

The latest problems have been reported at Garrylucas beach, near Kinsale, where such vehicles have been parked up for days on end at the beach front. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

The association which represents Irish motorhome enthusiasts has given its backing to introduce “robust access control systems and bylaws” to ensure the activities of rogue owners are curtailed.

It comes after complaints from several municipal district councils in Co Cork that rogue motorhome/campervan and caravan owners are taking up scenic parking spaces all over the region for days on end, preventing daytrippers from parking.

In addition, some of the rogue owners are parking dangerously, and others have been accused of dumping human sewage kept in their vehicles’ storage tanks at these scenic areas.

In Cobh, which has the only municipal-run motorhome park in the county, there have been issues with vehicles parking outside the facility or not paying the charges within it. According to councillors, others have parked further away and dumped raw human sewage into a popular swimming area.

The latest problems have been reported at Garrylucas beach, near Kinsale, where such vehicles have been parked up for days on end at the beach front, preventing elderly day-trippers from gaining access and presenting danger to young children trying to safely get out behind them on their way to the public toilets.

Councillors in that district have demanded that the local authority introduce bylaws all over the county to tackle the issue. They also suggested that the council develop a dedicated motorhome park there, like in Cobh, at a rarely-used car park close to Garrylucas pitch and putt club.

Irish Motorhome Owners’ Association spokesman Colin McCarthy said the council should introduce a robust access control system and bylaws which would be adhered to by his members.

“It must be understood that a motorhome parking area is simply an area where motorhome visitors park for a defined period, typically 48 hours. Such a facility should not function as a camping holiday destination as 'camping behaviour' is generally not permitted,” Mr McCarthy said.

He maintained that to discourage occupation exceeding 48 hours, a graduated charge could be implemented. For example, €10 per 24 hours for the first 48 hours, then increasing to perhaps €30 for each subsequent 24 hours.

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"Such a charging structure would discourage excessively long stays and create a turnover of occupancy facilitating availability for new arrivals,” Mr McCarthy said.

He said in the case of the proposed site at Garrylucas, apart from providing a parking space, the area should also provide for grey and black water disposal plus a drinking water supply.

“Given the area would not be available for stays exceeding 48 hours, the provision of electrical hook-up points should not form part of the design brief,” he said.

Mr McCarthy said in other European countries a common access control method includes the pre-authorisation of a credit card together with recording of the vehicle registration number.

Exit is permitted after payment of the due charge. Access and payments via a smartphone app are also a possibility. Such a system facilitates the collection of any client information deemed relevant.

Councillors in Cobh have called for a height restriction barrier to be erected at the entrance to ‘The Five Foot Way’ motorhome facility, on the quayside, because the area also accommodates free parking for cars.

Many motorhome owners are parking in free areas, costing the council revenue.