Concerns raised about 'frustrating' illegal parking in coastal area of Cork

LOCALS in a Cork coastal town have said the lack of car-parking spaces has become a serious problem, affecting them and business owners during the busy summer tourist season.

Crosshaven has been highlighted as a problem point because of the increased numbers of people parking illegally across the area.

“It’s very frustrating,” said Dr Nick O’Flynn, owner of The Oar Bar.

“We have no parking beyond the square, only two small car parks. We need some sort of park-and-ride system, especially for the summer time,” he added.

Mr O’Flynn also highlighted that the recently renewed Camden Fort Meagher expects a summer season visitor influx of more than 70,000 people.

“Our concern is that Cork County Council has given huge investment to Camden Fort and there is no reasonable place to park for those visitors.”

Fianna Fáil county councillor Audrey Buckley, who represents the Carrigaline local electoral area (LEA), also highlighted concerns with parking availability around Fountainstown Beach and Myrtleville Bay.

“In recent weeks, many local residents have been reporting to me that their areas are blocked in, there is no access for emergency services, that cars are parked on footpaths, and bus stops are being blocked,” said Ms Buckley.

“I have asked the gardaí to start putting cards on windscreens as a deterrent for parking illegally,” she added.

“I am working together with the council on doing everything I can to ensure there are proper parking facilities.”

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said that while a number of offences have been detected in the Crosshaven area, there has been “no noticeable increase” in illegal parking recorded.

“Gardaí are continually monitoring the issue of illegal parking in Crosshaven,” the spokesperson said.

“Illegal parking is dealt with by a fine issued under the fixed-charge notice (FCN).”

A Cork County Council spokesperson said that no discussions have taken place around providing an additional car park for Crosshaven.

“Many of the issues in these areas relate to obstruction of the roadway, which falls under the remit of An Garda Síochána,” the spokesperson said.

“With regard to parking responsibilities, local authorities may act against drivers who park illegally, do not display a valid parking ticket, permit, or motor tax disc, or do not pay required parking charges.”