Insufficient parking at Pearse Stadium has long been a source of consternation for local residents, with many having their driveways blocked by the cars of patrons attending games at the stadium. While the stadium can hold a crowd of 34,000, the surrounding areas have only got adequate space for residential parking and, as a result, areas such a school playgrounds are being used as temporary car parks.

Noel Molloy, chairman of Rockbarton Residents Association, said parking plans for the area were hugely inaccurate and that the council have failed to comply with conditions set out when planning permission was granted for the stand.

“These conditions were laid down 13 years ago, when there were a lot fewer cars on the roads, in the interests of road safety, traffic circulation and residential amenity. They still have not being complied with.”
 
As a result, cars are also being parked on footpaths in the area forcing pedestrians, including some with prams, and wheelchair users off the path and on to the middle of the road, Mr Molloy claimed.

“The gardaí had put out parking bollards on one side of Rockbarton Road but these were ignored. While being blocked from entering or exiting your driveway is an annoyance, the real fear is that is that some day there will be a hold up in an emergency situation. There has lately been an intensification of usage in the stadium and incidents like these are causing residents patience and tolerance to wear thin,” he added.

However, a spokesperson for Galway City Council said a comprehensive traffic plan in conjunction with the Gardaí and the GAA is in place when games are underway and that it has been very successful in co-ordinating traffic and parking in Salthill.

Officials from Pearse Stadium were unavailable for comment.

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