Car parks lie empty as rail commuters boycott charges
Pay and display parking was introduced at a number of older stations in Cork and Kerry last March.
But charges came into force on July 30 last year at Midleton and Carrigtwohill when the €75 million rail line was opened.
However, they were only introduced two months ago at Little Island and Glounthaune stations when their car parks were upgraded.
Very few cars can be spotted in the 340-space car park at Midleton and the 180-spaces in Carrigtwohill.
Commuters are also boycotting the 46-space car park in Glounthaune and the 110-space car park at Little Island.
Fine Gael TD David Stanton said the parking charges weren’t working and should be discontinued, or at least suspended for six months, so that Iarnród Éireann officials could gauge the negative impact they were having.
Mr Stanton said he’d seen at first hand the almost empty car park at Midleton railway station. “People are parking elsewhere in the town and walking into the station. The town council could put double yellow lines on roads around the station, but that might only discourage people from using the service.”
People using Glounthaune are parking their cars on the road outside, while several of those using Little Island station are parking their cars in at a nearby Cork County Council recycling centre.
“I know the daily charge is minimal at €2, but it soon adds up over the year,” Mr Stanton added.
Drivers can pay €8 for a weekly parking ticket or €30 for a monthly ticket.
A spokeswoman for Iarnród Éireann said it ran a two-week free parking promotion at Midleton last Christmas but the increase in use was marginal. “Usage of the car parks is low and many are choosing to walk or cycle to the stations.”
