The Dublin Airport Authority announced there were no available parking spaces in Dublin Airport this weekend – and problems are only set to escalate.  

While holidaymakers faced long queues and security issues in Dublin Airport last summer, this summer they are set to face issues when trying to park their cars.  

Dublin Airport has warned that parking spaces are “extremely limited”, with all spaces booked and expected to be full.  

Air and Travel Magazine Editor Eoghan Corry told The Anton Savage Show said the problem will only worsen if plans are not made.  

“We are facing into the real rushes of summer in a few weeks' time,” he said. “We've got about 100,000 people going to the airport today and tomorrow.” 

All systems are “under pressure” around Dublin Airport, including hotels holidaymakers would typically stay in before an early flight.  

“Our traffic levels are now ahead of where they were last summer,” Mr Corry said.  

Public transport

Mr Corry recommended anyone going on holiday soon consider using public transport.  

“The Airport Hopper from Tallaght and from Maynooth is back up and running,” he said. “Bus Éireann, Air Coach, City Link – there are about nine operators in all.” 

This issue once again exposes the problem of not having a Metro service in Dublin, according to Mr Corry.  

“I'm old enough to have been assured at a press conference it would have been finished by 2008,” he said. “The last date I heard was 2030.” 

“It certainly showing up the lack of planning for getting to and from the airport.” 

Extra spaces

Mr Corry said there are extra spaces Dublin Airport can find to accommodate passengers, including the former Quick Park on the Santry Road that closed during the pandemic.  

“Dublin Airport are in a position to get that up and running pretty quickly [but] they haven’t got the clearance to do so,” he said.  

“There are trust issues about Dublin Airport effectively owning all the car parking facilities around the airport.” 

"No energy"

Sinn Féin spokesperson for transport Martin Kenny TD said the Consumer Protection Authority wants to prevent Dublin Airport from having a monopoly on parking spaces in the area.  

“It’s only going to get worse,” he said. “If it isn’t resolved, it’s only going to be there next summer as well.” 

There is “no energy” from the National Asset Management Agency to find extra parking spaces, and Government pressure should be put on them to resolve the issue.  

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