Minister Ryan must meet Dublin Airport Authority to sort out parking debacle – Currie

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan must meet Dublin Airport Authority to address parking capacity issues which has the potential to cause widespread to disruption to passengers this summer, according to Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie.

Senator Currie was speaking as Dublin Airport management issued a warning to passengers to consider alternative transport options to the airport due to increased demand on its long and short term car parks.

Senator Currie said: “We are early into the summer season and it is concerning that Dublin airport chiefs are advising passengers who have not pre-booked parking to consider alternative modes of transport as they catch their flight.

“The airport said parking is extremely limited in the coming days, with all car parks sold out and expected to be full. As a result, they’re asking people to travel by bus, taxi, get a friend to drop them out or park outside of the airport campus and transit in from somewhere else.

“This is a nightmare and was flagged as an issue at the May Bank holiday weekend. What about individuals and families with children travelling long distances with luggage and buggies who may not have an adequate mode of transport available? What about people travelling with parents and grandparents who need to make the journey as comfortable as possible?

“Where are passengers expected to park outside of the airport campus? And how can they transit to the airport from wherever they find parking?

“I have raised the issue of parking charges at the airport being excessive after being contacted by several constituents, there is currently a cap of €15 per day on long-term parking at the airport, but the normal daily parking charge for the short-term car park is €40 per day or €3 for the first hour and €4.50 per hour.

“A long-stay car park near Dublin Airport, which has a reported 6,000 spaces, remains closed, however it is understood that Dublin Airport Authority has moved to purchase this site.

“I believe the Transport Minister must now call an urgent meeting with officials at Dublin Airport Authority to ensure that passengers travelling this summer are not discommoded by a lack of parking spaces.

I will be meeting DAA myself as they have already reached out and I will be putting forward my concerns.

“Travelling can already be stressful and expensive enough and we shouldn’t be causing more headaches for passengers before they take off.”