PLANS FOR A paid parking barrier system to serve the Blanchardstown Centre in west Dublin have been stalled.

This follows a number of opponents to the scheme lodging three separate appeals with An Coimiúsín Pleanála (ACP) against the green light granted by Fingal County Council last month to owners of the Blanchardstown Centre, Blanche Retail Nominee Ltd.

One of those to lodge an appeal is local TD, Ruth Coppinger, (People Before Profit-Solidarity) who has lodged a joint appeal with party colleagues and members of Fingal County Council, councillor Helen Redwood and councillor John Burtchaell.

Others to lodge appeals are councillor John Walsh (Labour) and the third appeal has been lodged by Luke Daly and Jack O’Reilly.

Castleknock resident Walsh has requested an oral hearing in the case. 

In the Coppinger appeal, the three have employed planning consultant, Brendan Buck of BPS Planning and Development Consultants, to draw up the appeal.

In the appeal, Buck contends that the proposal would cause all existing parking provision on site to become a permanent stand alone revenue generating business.

Buck states that the proposal would fail in the long term to minimise the impact of private car based traffic and enhance and develop the existing urban fabric.

Buck also claims that the scheme would cause adverse traffic congestion, safety impacts and environmental impacts.

Buck also contends that the proposal would cause negative socio-economic impacts on accessibility.

He argues that paid barriers will restrict access to community facilities such as the library, leisure centre, essential retail for low income residents, workers and vulnerable groups in Dublin 15.

In his appeal, Walsh claims that the proposals “disregard the community and strategic significance of Blanchardstown Centre”.

Walsh states that “the application creates an unnecessary and unjustifiable barrier to access to important public services, especially for older people or people with mobility difficulties”.

He said that introducing parking management will inevitably lead to indiscriminate, overflow parking in surrounding estates.

In their joint appeal, Luke Daly and Jack O’Reilly they state that a petition with almost 9,000 signatures gathered to date reflects a high level of public concern.

The two state that the proposal is premature, procedurally unsound and environmentally deficient.

Strategic Value Partners (SVP) acquired the lands at Blanchardstown Town Centre in late 2024 from Wall Street banking giant Goldman Sachs for a reported sales price in the region of €600m. 

A spokeswoman for Blanchardstown Centre said today: “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.

She stated that 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”. 

She said that “it is intended that works to deliver these projects will begin early next year, followed by the introduction of paid parking in early 2027″.

She said: “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.”

She 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.

“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 early 2027.”