The Coach and Tourism Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has expressed concerns about inadequate pick-up and drop-off facilities for coaches at major events in Dublin, particularly at venues like Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium.
They noted that Belfast had better proximity to the venue and more efficient coach access for events like Bruce Springsteen concerts, despite having half the capacity of Croke Park.
The lack of adequate facilities in Dublin has led to a decline in the use of commercial bus services for large events, pushing patrons towards private car use and contributing to congestion and carbon emissions.
The CTTC is calling for event organisers, local authorities, and the government to urgently review and improve traffic management plans to include better facilities for commercial coaches in Dublin and throughout Ireland.
CTTC Chairperson Willie Martin said: “We witnessed the efficiency with which coaches could access Boucher Playing Fields in Belfast for the Bruce Springsteen concerts this summer. With half the capacity of Croke Park, Belfast nonetheless had double the number of coaches and minibuses serving the event, thanks to better proximity to the venue. Unfortunately, in Dublin, patrons attending events at Croke Park are often forced to walk up to 45 minutes from the designated coach parking area to the stadium.”
