Parking woes turn Crosshaven into ‘chock-a-blocka Crosser’

Fine Gael councillor Jack White said a huge amount of housing had been built in Crosshaven in last 20 years and from a residents’ and business point of view the traffic and parking situation is not working. Picture: Eddie O’Hare

One of Cork's most popular seaside spots has been dubbed ‘chock-a-blocka Crosser’ amid claims that traffic is now so bad at the weekends locals won’t venture into the village.

The lack of parking in Crosshaven has become a major issue, according to councillors representing the area, which is under the control of the Carrigaline Municipal District Council.

Fianna Fáil councillor Audrey Buckley, who lives in the village, said what is happening “is not sustainable” and locals won't even go into the village at weekends. Visitors are parking "all over the place", according to Ms Buckley, and another municipal car park is badly needed.

“We’re full to the brim and we need to see where we can purchase land for it. We need to future-proof the village.”

Ms Buckley said parking is becoming “a very heated issue in the area” and a plan needs to be progressed “for the betterment of everyone living in the area and visitors.”

Fine Gael councillor Jack White said a huge amount of housing had been built in Crosshaven in last 20 years and from a residents’ and business point of view the current traffic and parking situation is not working. “It’s vital that this is addressed,” he said.

Council officials said they have evidence that some people are parking in the car park all day, and commuting by bus to and from the city for work. They believe that introducing parking charges might solve that problem.

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Senior executive officer Maurice Murphy said that illegal parking is a matter for the gardaí. Ms Buckley said gardaí are regularly issuing tickets but even this isn’t helping to ease the situation.

Officials added that they are not aware of any suitable land available in the village which could be used for additional public parking. However, they do have a draft framework plan to enhance the village, which has three priorities.

The first is a ‘public realm improvement’ of the promenade linking the arrival point at the bus stop on lower road across the harbourside to the commercial core of the village and north to the playground.

Priority two revolves around projects that connect the village core, harbourside, residential areas, and the wider network of walking routes, greenway, trails and attractions along the coast around Crosshaven.

The third priority is to enhance existing public realm attractions such as The Point.