Appeal to GAA fans regarding parking near Cork's Páirc Uí Rinn stadium

The Lord Mayor of Cork has pleaded with GAA fans to respect residents and to park responsibly around the city’s Páirc Uí Rinn stadium, which is hosting a major championship game tonight.

Cork Constitution RFC has also agreed to open its adjoining grounds at Temple Hill for paid parking ahead of the 7pm senior hurling qualifier clash between Cork and Dublin.

The grounds, which will be open from 5pm, can accommodate up to 700 cars, with motorists being charged €5 for parking. Gardaí will also be directing and encouraging fans who require parking to use the site.

Councillor Des Cahill spoke out yesterday after chaotic parking scenes near the GAA stadium in Ballintemple on Thursday night during the Munster minor hurling semi-final clash between Cork and Tipperary.

A funeral and tag rugby added to the volume of traffic in the area.

Furious residents photographed dozens of cars parked on double-yellow lines, blocking residential streets and gates, abandoned on greens, footpaths and plazas, and posted the images on social media.

“Cork GAA should work to ensure that their loyal supporters have access to suitable parking. Enforcement of traffic law is needed to ensure that roads, cycle lanes and footpaths aren’t obstructed,” local resident Denis O’Regan said.

Mr Cahill said the situation was very disruptive to residents.

“I enjoy seeing games in the area and fans enjoying the games. We live in a sporting city and we are proud of it. Games provide a great boost for the local economy,” he said. “The Cork GAA county board have worked hard with the gardaí, the city council, and residents in managing junctions at housing estates to prevent disruption to residents.

“But I would ask people driving to games to be more mindful of residents and indeed the safety of others by not causing obstructions on roads near Páirc Uí Rinn.

“With a huge crowd expected for tonight’s hurling championship game, I would urge fans to be mindful of residents and the safety of others when parking.”

He spoke yesterday with gardaí and senior county board representatives and said he is confident they will take proactive steps to manage a larger crowd and more cars.

“The last piece of the jigsaw is the fans and I am urging them to park responsibly,” he said.

The county board has organised for volunteers to man barriers to prevent parking in nearby residential estates and members of the Garda traffic corps will also be on patrol in the area later.