Listeners on Lunchtime Live described potential parking charges as an “anti-car agenda”.  

The Office of Public Works (OPW) launched the Phoenix Park Parking Strategy yesterday, inviting people to review a draft strategy and make suggestions over the next five weeks.   

One suggestion is legislation to introduce a charge for cars parked within the park. 

Listeners on Lunchtime Live shared their thoughts over a proposed charge.  

"Scandalous"

Stuart described the idea as “scandalous” and unfair on people who visit Phoenix Park.  

“It's one of the last few places you can go in the city, say if you if you want to take your family on a drive,” he said.  

“You go to the park you can go there, and it doesn't cost you anything.” 

Stuart said the OPW is “overengineering” the park. 

He said the suggestion that people park in Phoenix Park before commuting into the city centre for work is incorrect. 

“Thinking you're parked there for the day, and go to work in the IFSC, you know your hike down to Park Gate Street to get a bus is huge,” he said. “I don't see that as an option are a problem as much as they do.” 

He said the majority of people who park in Phoenix Park work in the OPW or the Garda Headquarters.  

Another listener briefly suggested introducing a tiered system where cars parked outside of the park are not charged, but cars that are parked within the park all day are charged.  

He said workers in the area deserve free parking.  

"Anti-car agenda"

Listener Joseph said the suggestion from the OPW is an “anti-car agenda”.  

“The park belongs to the Irish people,” he said.  

He criticised the OPW: “These are people coming in - who are unelected - for what is our own property.” 

He said this is part of a “15-minute city” agenda that will remove all cars from the city.  

“I get the road safety issue, but this about removing cars... It’s a complete anti-car, anti-freedom agenda.”