COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, October 12, 2026
QUESTION NO. 16
QUESTION: Councillor D. Loftus
To ask the Chief Executive to outline what plans, if any, are in place or being considered to improve the availability of age-friendly parking spaces in villages and district shopping centres.
REPLY:
The Council recognises the important role that accessible parking plays in enabling older people to access local services, retail centres and community facilities, thereby supporting independent living, social inclusion and age-friendly communities. Opportunities for additional age-friendly parking spaces are assessed on a case-by-case basis having regard to local demand, available space, traffic management requirements, accessibility considerations and the nature of the surrounding area.
To date, the following age-friendly parking spaces have been delivered:
- Rosemount (as part of the District Centre Enhancement Project): 4 spaces
- Bawnogue (as part of the District Centre Enhancement Project): 3 spaces
- County Hall: 2 spaces
- Knockmitten Youth and Community Centre: 2 spaces
- Firhouse Community Centre: 3 spaces
The Village and District Enhancement Schemes provide an important opportunity to improve accessibility and inclusivity within town, village and district centres. Where enhancement projects include upgrades to public realm and parking facilities, the Council seeks to incorporate age-friendly parking spaces as part of the overall design.
The following provision is currently proposed as part of upcoming enhancement schemes:
- Tallaght Village Enhancement Scheme: 1 age-friendly parking space on Main Street
- Neilstown District Centre Enhancement Project: 2 age-friendly parking spaces within the main car park
In addition to age-friendly parking, the Council enhances accessibility through the provision of wheelchair-accessible parking and parent and child parking spaces. As part of the draft Neilstown District Centre Enhancement Project, provision is also being made for an autism-friendly parking space.
We will continue to work with the South Dublin Age Friendly Programme Manager and other relevant stakeholders to identify and deliver measures that improve accessibility and support the needs of older residents across the county.