Residents push back against ‘unfair’ new parking charges plan for Blanchardstown Centre
Fingal County Council (FCC) confirmed to the Irish Independent that it granted planning permission on November 14, which included provisions for paid parking. This came after the shopping centre made a submission to develop its car parks in September.
“I think this is an incredibly disappointing decision by the council – I’ll be making an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála,” said Labour councillor for Castleknock John Walsh.
“Overall, the plan by the new owners is a disastrous one – one which is grossly unfair to local communities, workers and businesses in the Blanchardstown centre.
“I think the plan fails to take account how central the shopping centre is – not merely as a shopping centre, but as a community hub and as a centre for essential public services.”
FCC’s permission to the shopping centre comes with 10 conditions including the protection of trees in the area and other requirements for sufficient permissions.
Castlecurragh resident and secretary of Dublin West Labour Party, Luke Daly, set up the ‘No Barriers To Blanch’ petition that has now got 8,200 signatures.
“It’s disappointing that it was approved but we wont be taking this lying down – the conditions for planning permission give us a spark of hope,” said Mr Daly.
"Any consultation with the community has to be at the forefront – it was absolutely disgraceful that the shopping centre did not adequately consult with the community.
“It’s a smack in the face of workers who have been keeping that shopping centre going for almost 30 years. Particularly unfair on older and disabled people who have to use a car to do their weekly shop.”
Last year, the Irish Independent reported that American investor Strategic Value Partners (SVP) was buying the shopping centre after investment bank Goldman Sachs put it up for sale.
A spokesperson for Blanchardstown Centre said that paid parking will begin in 2026, as part of a €60m investment to upgrade the centre.
“The investment includes an upgrade of car parking, wayfinding and transport facilities at Blanchardstown Centre to improve mobility and access,” said the spokesperson.
“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.”
Councillor Walsh said that a public meeting to discuss the new charges will be held later this month, or in the first week of December.
Cllr Walsh said: “It simply beggars belief that the new owners of the Centre are trying to impose parking charges in the midst of an affordability crisis and the cost of living, when people can barely make ends meet as it is.
“It is particularly cruel to bring forward such a plan so close to Christmas, when families are already under pressure.”