Tomorrow’s Blanchardstown blockade is needed to prevent the “disaster” of parking charges, a local TD has argued. 

Blanchardstown shopping centre is one of the largest in the country and planning permission has been granted for its Mobility Enhancement Project by Fingal County Council. 

If implemented, it would see parking charges introduced for the first time. 

The decision has infuriated many local residents, who have responded by organising a 'Blanchardstown blockade' of the shopping centre this Saturday - one the busiest days in the run up to Christmas. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger  will be supporting the described the Blanchardstown blockade, descriving the amenity as ‘not just a shopping centre’. 

“I think we have to for the community, for the workers in the centre and for the future of the centre,” she said. 

“I think it will be a disaster for jobs, for the shops, for the cafes.

“Tomorrow we’re going to gather at one o’clock, we’re appealing to people in the community to come out to meet at the Draíocht Theatre. 

“It’s one of the many public facilities that we have there, which is one of the reasons that we’re protesting. 

“This is a town centre; it isn’t just a shopping centre. It was designed with the council office there, with the library, the Credit Union and medical facilities and so much. 

“It isn’t just a shopping centre.” 

Blanchardstown. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Deputy Coppinger continued that public transport in the area is poor and many local residents rely on cars to travel. 

“Blanchardstown is such a fast growing area,” she said. 

“There’s about 130,000 population; we don’t have a Luas, we don’t have a Metro. 

“So, everybody is reliant on the roads. 

“There is a rail system but it would be over more for a number of areas like Castleknock and Ashtown. 

“Those who live beyond that wouldn’t be able to reach the rail line.”

In a statement, Blanchardstown Town Centre said their expansion would mean "“significantly upgrading” provision for parking.

“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," a spokesperson said.

"Further details on pricing will be shared in due course."

Main image: Ruth Coppinger. Picture by: Alamy.com.