Local Residents Oppose Proposed Paid Parking at Fingal Beaches
Fingal County Council has found itself in the spotlight following its proposal to introduce paid parking at several popular beach car parks across Donabate, Portrane, and other coastal areas. The plan, which would see drivers charged €1 per hour with the first hour free and a maximum daily fee of €5, has sparked significant backlash from local residents.
The proposed charges would apply to a range of locations, including Tower Bay in Portrane, Red Island in Skerries, and Portmarnock Beach South on Golf Links Road. In addition, several other public car parks, particularly those located near beaches, are also included in the list of affected areas.
This move has been met with strong opposition from locals who depend on these free-access areas for daily activities such as walks, swimming, and family outings. During the public consultation period, numerous submissions highlighted the community’s discontent with the proposal.
One long-time resident of the Donabate peninsula expressed her concerns, stating: “It greatly discourages the support of local businesses at Tower Bay and from encouraging the community to appreciate the beauty of the coastline that we have. Families from the community use the beach and the cliff walk on a daily basis, and we shouldn’t have to pay for access to a local amenity.”
Another submission questioned the council’s motives, suggesting that the initiative might be more about generating revenue than managing parking effectively. The writer added: “We should be able to enjoy our local beaches and walks for free. We should not have to pay to be out in nature, running, walking, swimming, meeting with friends, or engaging with various active or social groups.”
Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on community wellbeing. A local resident accused the council of “discouraging young and old from spending time outdoors.” This sentiment reflects broader anxieties about how the new charges could affect the accessibility of natural spaces for all residents.
The draft Parking Control Byelaws 2025 includes 15 car parks across Fingal that would be subject to the charges. These include locations in Portmarnock, Skerries, Rush, and Howth. The proposed changes have drawn attention not only from residents but also from emergency services.
Colin Murray, Officer in Charge of the Howth unit of the Irish Coast Guard, wrote to the council requesting that Coast Guard vehicles be exempt from the parking controls while carrying out their duties. He noted that Howth is the busiest unit in the country, with an average of 150 callouts a year. “The Howth unit would regularly be working in the highlighted proposed areas for change,” he said.
At present, Fingal County Council is still accepting public submissions on the proposal until Thursday, August 28. Feedback can be submitted online or by post to the council’s Operations Department in Blanchardstown. The council has been contacted for further comment.
As the debate continues, many locals remain concerned about the implications of this policy and whether it truly serves the best interests of the community. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between managing public resources and preserving access to natural spaces for all.
