Protest Blockade Planned Over Parking Charges at Blanchardstown

URGENT UPDATE: A significant protest blockade at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre is scheduled for December 6, igniting fierce opposition against new parking charges set to roll out at the popular shopping destination in west Dublin. Dublin West Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger announced that this demonstration will serve as a “major march” leading up to the bustling Christmas shopping season.

Coppinger voiced her outrage earlier today at Leinster House, condemning the charges as “absolutely disgraceful” and accusing authorities of attempting to “fleece” the local community under the guise of sustainability. “We’re not going to take it lying down,” she declared, highlighting that the new charges will impact not only shoppers but also workers and local residents reliant on community services near the centre.

Earlier this week, Fingal Co Council confirmed it had granted planning permission to the new owners of Blanchardstown Centre, Blanche Retail Nominee Ltd, for a new ‘Mobility Enhancement Project’ that includes a paid parking regime. The Council received six submissions on this controversial planning application, and those who objected now have the opportunity to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Coppinger, alongside fellow Councillors John Burtchaell and Helen Redwood, has pledged to appeal the decision, asserting that the introduction of parking charges is unjustifiable. “We’ve no Luas, we’ve no Metro. We’ve got a creaking bus service,” she stated, emphasizing the lack of public transport options available to residents of Dublin West.

In a parallel response, the trade union Mandate has called for the cancellation of the parking charges, expressing concern that additional costs could burden workers amid rising living expenses. Greg Caffrey, Mandate’s divisional organiser, noted the potential negative impact on customer footfall and employment opportunities at the centre. “No worker should have to pay for parking at their place of employment,” he insisted.

In response to the growing backlash, a spokesperson for Blanchardstown Centre highlighted a commitment to invest up to €60 million to enhance customer experience, including upgrades to parking and transport facilities. They stated that the implementation of paid parking is set to begin in 2026.

The spokesperson added, “We are carefully considering the impact on vulnerable customers and regular visitors, including loyalty programmes and discounts to encourage repeat visits.” They assured that improved accessibility measures, such as increased accessible spaces and dedicated staff parking areas, will also be included in the plans.

As the protest date approaches, community members and local workers are left grappling with the potential implications of the new parking regime. With mounting opposition and a crucial march on the horizon, all eyes are on how this situation will unfold in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.