Promoting Responsible & Safe Parking In The Uplands

Promoting Responsible & Safe Parking In The Uplands

The narrow roads and quaint stone walls that meander through the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands are part of the charm and experience that attracts visitors to the region. However, as the number of visitors grow, so to does the number of incidents of irresponsible (and sometimes dangerous) parking.

The photograph above was taken on Sunday the 21st of June close to the top entrance to the Bohernabreena Reservoir in the Dublin Uplands. Fortunately it wasn’t a life or death situation, however, next time it might be.

Wicklow Uplands Council would like to remind drivers of the following important points to consider when parking.

  • Please remember to act in a safe, responsible and respectful manner to ALL other road users, when selecting a location to park.
  • The upland’s network of narrow roads connect rural communities and are used widely by cyclists, cars, buses, work vehicles and the Emergency Services.
  • Parking along these narrow roads can obstruct and block traffic, and in the case of vehicles belonging to the Emergency Services, it can impact on their ability to respond to incidents where time is of critical importance.
  • Please do not park at farm entrances, gates, private laneways or the entrances to residential or commercial premises. Farmers need continual access to their property and livestock.
  • Entrances to to forestry and woodland need to to free of obstruction not only to allow access to work vehicles but also emergency vehicles. This is particularly true during the summer months when an elevated Fire Risk is present.
  • Designated parking is available in many areas of the uplands including the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Coillte managed forests and locations managed by local councils.
  • Please research your parking options in advance of visiting the uplands and have a back-up plan in mind should your first-choice location be too crowded or full. There is a greater availability of designated parking spots mid-week, early morning and in the evening time.
  • Double yellow lines have been painted on an increased number of roads where ongoing challenges have been identified.
  • Parking enforcement activities by An Garda Síochána have increased significantly this year, with fines being issued and in some cases, cars being towed.
  • Finally, please remember that the uplands are there for us all to enjoy – visitors and it’s residents – so park with respect and safety in mind.