Emmet Oliver

The French building giant Vinci intends to bid for the clamping contract for Dublin city centre, it has emerged.

The company's parking division, Vinci Park, is expected to compete against Control Plus and possibly others for the contract which has been put out to tender by Dublin City Council.

Vinci, with annual turnover of €1.8 billion and more than 127,000 employees, is anxious to gain a foothold in the Republic.

The company applied several years ago for the same contract but lost out to Control Plus, which is ultimately owned by US conglomerate Central Parking Corporation.

The value of the clamping contract - which Control Plus has held since 1998 - has not been disclosed by Dublin City Council, but industry observers believe it could be worth €4 million annually.

It is one of the biggest service contracts offered by a local authority. The council envisages five companies being invited to tender.

Control Plus currently provides the clamping service to Dublin City Council for a fee, but the €80 fine paid by consumers to have the clamping device removed goes to the council itself.

Last year about 52,000 motorists were clamped, resulting in revenue to the council of €4.1 million.

About 2,700 cars were removed to the vehicle pound in 2003, while 7,800 vehicles were moved to an adjoining street and clamped. The council operates about 16,000 parking spaces, divided into five tariff zones.

The council is offering a new five-year contract, although it reserves the right to extend this for another two years. The contract is scheduled to come into force this November.