Labour councillors condemn new parking charges at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

Labour representatives from Dublin 15 have warned that the introduction of parking charges at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre will disproportionately affect workers and vulnerable communities.

Councillors Mary McCamley (Blanchardstown‑Mulhuddart) and John Walsh (Castleknock) said the charges ignore the needs of staff, local residents and public services such as the library, Draiocht and the Fingal Council housing office.

Both councillors criticised the decision despite An Coimisiún Pleanála stating that the charges were unnecessary, calling the move “socially regressive” and “deeply unfair”. They urged Fingal County Council and the centre’s management to act swiftly to protect the community from financial repercussions.

Over 10,600 signatures were collected on a petition demanding the charges be withdrawn, with petition organiser Luke Daly, Labour’s secretary in the Dublin West constituency, saying the evidence‑based case was ignored.

The councillors also warned that the charges could cause traffic chaos, especially during peak periods and the run‑up to Christmas, and could damage the long‑standing relationship between the centre and the local community.

Source: Dublin People. Photo: Fireworks Uche / Pexels.