Concern over low return from Rossaveal Harbour car park

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A car park developed through State funding at Rossaveal Harbour is only generating a fraction of what was projected three years ago. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries had bargained for an annual turnover of over a half million. However, the net return yearly return to the State was only €11,000 according to the latest figures available. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spent €340,000 on the Rossaveal Harbour car park in 2011. There were good projections about how the money would be recouped. A turnover of €580,000 per year was projected but in 2012 the net income to the State only amounted to €11,000. The parking figures are low…between 17% to 55% uptake of spaces at best – even during the summer season – according to a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General. This report deals with the finances of the main fishing harbours around the coast. The report makes some allowances for the Rossaveal Harbour car park situation – bad weather in 2012 and plenty other parking spaces nearby But the auditor also says there was no business plan made available in relation to the car park. Máirtín Ó Catháin for Galway Bay FM in Connemara.