DCC needs to overhaul “crazy” parking rules, says Ó Meachair

Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Ó Meachair is calling on Dublin City Council to review its Parking Bye-Laws, following a significant increase in applicants being refused parking permits.

Under the 2024 bye-laws, any development with more than four units is ineligible for an on-street parking permit. A rule which excludes almost all people who live in apartment complexes.

Councillor Ó Meachair raised the issue with a motion at the April meeting of the DCC South Central Area Committee, following complaints from residents of two complexes beside Chamber Street (Weaver Place and Poplin Place) in Dublin 8 who have recently been told they are ineligible for parking permits after on-street pay and display was introduced earlier this year.

The DCC response cited the 2024 Parking Control Bye Laws which state that “where the building consists of more than 4 housing units and is located on a heavy demand road, residents shall not be eligible for residents’ parking permits.”

Speaking on the issue, Councillor Ó Meachair said “The Chamber Street issue is crazy. Residents moved into the apartments over two years ago and parked on the street with no issues until now. Paid parking was introduced onto the street earlier this year and now the residents are being told they are ineligible for a permit.”

“Its bizarre people would be able to park without any permit, then after two years get told they need one and aren’t eligible for it.”

“Most residents are just parking on nearby streets now, but that is ultimately going to create conflict with residents who live on those streets.”

“But the issue is much broader. People are contacting me across the Dublin 8 area where they’ve moved into apartments and only find out afterwards they can’t get a permit to park their cars.”

“There is definitely a lack of proper communication from letting agents towards new tenants because people are only finding out they can’t get a parking permit when their application for one is refused.”

“Dublin City Council are encouraging people to live in apartments. But then they’re telling them they can’t park their car anywhere. They are effectively asking people to choose between a home and their car.”

“Ultimately it is discrimination against people who live in apartments. It’s akin to saying they don’t have the same stake in the community as someone who lives in a house.”

Councillor Ó Meachair’s motion has been referred to the DCC Mobility and Public Realm Strategic Policy Committee which deals with Transport matters.