Initiative to help motorists map out Christmas shopping

Hassled motorists will be able to use a new map of the Dublin city centre car parks to shop easier this Christmas.

In an initiative launched by the Dublin City Business Association (DCBA) the double-sided map illustrates access routes for city centre car parks on both Northside and Southside of the city.

There are 20 car parks in Dublin City Centre with 10,000 spaces available.

This guide highlights the best routes for shoppers to take and shows the full range of car parks which are all within five minutes walking distance of the main shopping areas.

According to Tom Coffey, CEO of the DCBA: "At this time of year in particular there is an increase in the number of shoppers coming into the city centre to do their Christmas shopping. "

"Historically, shoppers select one or two city centre car parks in which to leave their car, however there are 20 car parks to chose from, many of which the public may not be as familiar with," he added.

The number of car parking spaces available for shoppers' cars in the city centre is almost double the combined amount of spaces in four of the biggest suburban shopping centres located on the M50 motorway.

According to data collated by the Irish Car Parking Association, 40% of spaces in suburban shopping centres, are occupied for the entire day by commuters and staff.

Spaces in the city centre are primarily used by shoppers.

The turnover of spaces in city centre is averages four times per day.