By Ciaran Woods
c.woods@gaeliclife.com
CLAMPERS in Dublin have long been the scourge of the travelling supporters, but things could be about to get a whole lot worse for GAA fans going to Croke Park.
Under new proposals before Dublin City councillors, hurling and football followers will be banned from parking up to two kilometres from Jones' Road.
Travel times to games for those making the journey from the various parts of Ulster are expected to soar, as supporters will be forced to park in areas such as Swords and others on the outskirts of the city, and rely on public transport to get them to the ground. That would of course make it extremely difficult for families, and will surely discourage parents from taking young people to games in Dublin.
It will also bring to an end the well-practiced routine of 'getting down early,' finding a prime parking location near the ground and having something to eat from the pre-prepared boot picnic, a tradition perfected over time by Ulster GAA folk, before strolling the short distance to the ground.
Those who run the gauntlet and are found to be in breach of the parking ban risk being clamped or having their vehicles impounded. The ban will apply to all non-residents and will also be enforced for evening events such as concerts, and stretches from Glasnevin to Talbot Street in the city centre.
The new measures have been introduced for the benefit of local residents, who have complained at having to park long distances from their homes because of chaotic parking on match days. Under the proposals, only those with resident parking permits will be allowed to park within the restricted zone.
The restricted area is much larger than the original one kilometre suggested by the council's traffic department in their original study last September, and comes under the recent amendment to the Road Traffic Act, and it is believed that although the Croke Park area is the first to be addressed, future restrictions are set to be put in place around other venues such as Landsdowne Road and the RDS.
The restrictions will apply to All-Ireland football and hurling finals, semi-finals and quarter-finals, as well as major rugby and soccer games being held at the venue.
The idea of parking restrictions around Croke Park were first mooted as part of a plan to introduce a 'Park and Ride' system on matchdays from Dublin airport to the stadium, and this latest measure could well pave the way for such a move as the Dublin authorities attempt to ease traffic congestion and create an out-of-town parking culture for major events. How successful that proves to be though remains to be seen, especially in the face of what is sure to be stern resistance from Ulster GAA followers.
