A BLOCKADE OF Blanchardstown Centre is planned for December 6 in protest over the introduction of parking charges at the popular shopping centre in west Dublin. 

Speaking about her opposition to the charges today at Leinster House, Dublin West Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said the protest will be a “major march” in the run-up to Christmas.

“We’re not going to take it lying down,” she said. 

Earlier this week, it was reported that Fingal Co Council hasgranted planning permission to the operator of Blanchardstown Centre, Blanche Retail Nominee Ltd, for a new ‘Mobility Enhancement Project’ which includes a new paid parking regime.

The Council received a total of six submissions on the planning application and those who have lodged objections will now be able to appeal the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála. 

Coppinger, who submitted a joint objection against the plans with Councillor John Burtchaell and Councillor Helen Redwood (all People Before Profit-Solidarity), said today she will be appealing the decision.

She said that it is “absolutely disgraceful” that the charges are being introduced, under the guise of “being sustainable”, to “fleece” people, including the workers within the centre.

She noted that the Council office, library and other community facilities are also based in the surrounds of the centre, and people who use these services will now also have to pay for parking. 

“We’ve no Luas, we’ve no Metro. We’ve no nothing like that in Dublin West.

“We’ve got a creaking bus service. And they’re now imposing [parking] charges, but they’re not actually increasing public transport provision in any way.

“We’ve a whole range of people who can’t even access the centre on public transport. So I will be appealing that with my councillors,” Coppinger said.

Meanwhile, trade union Mandate has also called for the centre to scrap the plans for parking charges and said no worker should have to pay for parking at their place of employment.

Greg Caffrey, Mandate divisional organiser, said workers are concerned by any additional costs they would have to incur at a time when the cost of living is ever-increasing.

He said workers are also concerned about the “deterrent effect” car parking charges would have on customers visiting the centre.

“They fear that this would have a detrimental effect on employment within the centre, which so many workers rely on in the Blanchardstown and surrounding areas.

“Mandate, on behalf of its members, calls upon Blanchardstown Centre Management to scrap their plans to introduce parking charges and withdraw their application for barrier tolling.

“We also call upon the county council to fully consider the detrimental effects barrier tolling will have on the Shopping Centre’s workforce, the general public and the local communities,” he said.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Blanchardstown Centre said the owners are committed to “significantly upgrading” customer experience, with up to €60m in investment at the centre.

The spokesperson said this investment includes an upgrade of car parking, wayfinding and transport facilities to improve mobility and access.

It is intended that works to deliver these projects, which will include the implementation of paid parking, will commence in 2026.

“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,” the spokesperson said. 

They added: “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.

“The proposals include a dedicated staff parking area within the Centre and we will engage with tenants and staff directly in the coming months to keep them informed of any developments.”

Late last year, US investment firm Strategic Value Partners (SVP) acquired the lands at Blanchardstown Town Centre from Wall Street banking giant, Goldman Sachs, for a reported sales price in the region of €600m.