'It's a slap in the face' - Blanchardstown Centre parking charges row rumbles on
Locals have said Blanchardstown Centre's plans to introduce paid parking next year are a "slap in the face" to the community.The west Dublin shopping centre received the greenlight from Fingal County Council late last year for a range of projects, including the implementation of barrier controlled parking which will result in paid parking. According to the shopping centre, they are seeking to invest "up to €60m" in the plans, which will also include the development of the new Blue Mall with new food and beverage facilities.The shopping centre said that further details on the price of paid parking, due to start in 2027, will be "shared in due course". It is intended that works will begin this year.The plans sparked significant opposition from the local community which resulted in protests leading up to Christmas. Almost 10,000 people have also signed an online petition against it.Following the greenlight from Fingal County Council, three separate appeals have been launched opposing the scheme to An Coimiúsín Pleanála. The public can make observations on the plans to An Coimiúsín Pleanála until Friday, January 16th.Blanchardstown local Luke Daly, who created the online petition and has appealed An Coimiúsín Pleanála, fears the plans will "drastically increase traffic congestion and reduce air-quality" as well as "erode accessibility for elderly, disabled users, retail workers, young people wishing to use the library and chapel users".Speaking to Dublin Live today, Mr Daly said it was "great" to see significant protest activity against the planned charges leading up to Christmas."A lot of people chose not to go to the shopping centre as a result of it even during the busiest weekend of the year because they knew this was going on and they wanted to lend their support to the community."All the people I've talked to in the community, we're all a bit shocked by (the plans) to be honest."Mr Daly added: "We put in one of the first planning objections against it and our point is this is going to impact people. We can't allow the people who it's going to affect the most to fall through the cracks. There has to be leeway, there has to be genuine consultation about it."While staff will have a dedicated parking area and a "90-day grace period" when the scheme starts in 2027, the shopping centre confirmed they will still be charged for parking "at a reduced rate". Mr Daly said: "It's a slap in the face particularly to the working class communities who have kept that shopping centre going for 30 years."Mr Daly also disagreed with comparisons to Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, who also controversially introduced paid parking three years ago."We hear a lot 'ah it happened in Liffey Valley and elsewhere'," he said. "That's a fair enough statement. However, Liffey Valley is a very different shopping centre to Blanchardstown."They're designated completely separately. We have our shopping centre as our main town centre beside all of our public amenities. Our library and council offices are there."The usage of that facility is completely different from Liffey Valley. We need to keep it free from barriers."A spokesperson for Blanchardstown Centre told Dublin Live: "Blanchardstown Centre has committed to significantly upgrading our customer experience, with up to €60m in investment at the Centre, including the development of the new 45,000 sq. ft Blue Mall which will provide additional food and beverage options for visitors."The investment also includes an upgrade of car parking, wayfinding and transport facilities at Blanchardstown Centre to improve mobility and access and reduce traffic congestion. It is intended that works to deliver these projects will begin this year, followed by the introduction of paid parking in 2027."We are carefully considering the impact on vulnerable customers, charity groups, and regular visitors, as well as loyalty programmes and discounts to encourage repeat visits. Further details on pricing will be shared in due course."There will be an increased number of accessible spaces, Parent & Child and Age Friendly car park spaces. These will be conveniently located to ensure easier access to the Centre for these visitors."Our planning has given significant consideration to Blanchardstown Centre staff. With the implementation of paid parking, a dedicated staff parking area will be provided at the Centre for all Blanchardstown Centre staff, offered at a reduced rate. Furthermore, staff will benefit from a minimum 90-day grace period of free parking once paid parking commences in 2027."Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
