GAA boss warns fans on Pearse Stadium parking

The head of Galway GAA County Board has said a ‘culture change’ is needed amongst supporters in relation to car parking, as the organisation takes steps to allay a long-standing dispute with residents near Pearse Stadium.

County Secretary and CEO John Hynes said the behaviour of some supporters is “inexcusable” when it comes to parking.

Now, the GAA has drawn up an extensive new parking management plan in response to an Enforcement Notice issued by the City Council.

When permission for the redevelopment of the Pearse Stadium was granted in 1994, a condition stipulated that 500 parking spaces were required.

“It’s our responsibility to provide adequate parking spaces for the people attending games. We did originally have an agreement from Salthill-Knocknacarra that we could use the Prairie – 500 spaces there. That formed part of our original planning application and we got permission for Pearse Stadium on that basis.

“Those spaces were never taken up for one reason or another. In recent years, the pitch is being used more and more, and it would be impractical to use it as a carpark,” Mr Hynes told the Galway City Tribune.

The GAA’s new parking plan involves three ‘levels’ of games, with marshalls in place to direct traffic to carparks.

• Level 1: Around 35 events per annum, with attendance of less than 1,000 people. Minimum of five days notice. Gardaí will be requested to allocate appropriate resources and place bollards in neighbourhood. Carparking available in Scoil Einde, Coláiste Einde and Arus Bothar na Trá. Marshalls and signage in place.
• Level 2: Around nine per annum, with attendance of less than 5,000. Club and inter-county matches. Minimum seven days notice. Parking as with Level 1, along with St Mary’s College, T O’Higgins in Shantalla and South Park. Signage and an additional four marshalls in place.
• Level 3: Around two per annum, attendance of more than 30,000 (such as a Connacht Final with 30,000 capacity). Comprehensive event and traffic management plan developed with Gardaí and City Council, as well as Civil Defence. At least seven days notice. Car parks as Level 1 and 2, along with Park and Ride from Moneenageisha College; GMIT; Trappers Inn; Thermo King; Castlegar Hurling Club and Mervue School. (Total Park & Ride spaces 2,094). Minimum of ten marshalls.

“We are fully aware of the residents’ concerns and personally, I empathise with them. It does cause inconvenience to the neighbours whenever we’ve got games here,” said Mr Hynes.

He said that club games – around 35 per year – (Level 1 fixtures) cause the biggest parking problems.

“Even though they attract the least amount [on average 400 supporters], they seem to be the most troublesome with some supporters parking their cars irresponsibly, illegally, without any concern or thought for the local residents. That’s inexcusable, we don’t condone that behaviour.

“We are convinced we have come up with more than enough parking spaces to meet the condition of the original planning and we would be confident the Enforcement Notice would be lifted shortly.

“We are committed to putting our own marshalls on the road to direct cars to spaces because the reality is the Gardaí don’t have the resources. All they [marshalls] can do is advise people that you’re parking in a residential area and you may be liable to a ticket and direct them to the nearest carpark,” said Mr Hynes.

The GAA head said that changing the culture of supporters is a key issue facing the organisation.

“They shouldn’t block residents in their homes or wheels up on the footpath preventing wheelchairs and buggies from passing. That’s a culture change that has to come about.”

He added that he expects the Park & Ride service for Level 3 events will be successful.

“With the known traffic situation of Galway City and trying to get across the Corrib to the other side of the city, Connacht supporters in Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and indeed people from North Galway are very familiar with the difficulty of travelling between Claregalway and Pearse Stadium; it’s renowned.

“If we can provide a Park & Ride facility that is serviced regularly where people don’t have to wait more than ten or 15 minutes, it will be successful, we’re absolutely convinced.

“It’s a no-brainer, it’s an educational process. It’s a mindset change that we have to get across with GAA supporters. We are committed to minimising the disruption that games and events cause to [residents] and I fully understand their issues, concerns and frustrations.

“If the Gardaí had the resources and were patrolling the areas, we wouldn’t have half the issues of complaints that we have today, but the reality is the Gardaí don’t have the resources,” said Mr Hynes.