Struggling Liffey Valley staff are in uproar over a new car parking fee that's set to be introduced at the shopping centre.
Staff claim some workers may even be forced to move stores due to the new parking cost. Management have confirmed that parking is being introduced for everyone in the fourth quarter of this year with a €2.50 charge for the first hour and the following two hours free.
Worker Gemma O'Brien told RTE Liveline listeners that the new cost will have a huge impact on the worker's take home pay. Gemma claimed that a cost of €4 a day was being proposed for staff. She said: "It is absolutely outrageous the type of money that they are charging to go to work.
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"€4 a day doesn't really sound like much but when you add it up over a yearly cost, they are looking at charging staff €4 a day or €65 per month. That works out at around €780 per year for full time members of staff.
"A lot of retail staff are on minimum wage as it is. They're struggling.
"People have given up gym memberships that cost €80 per month because they cannot afford it. Now they want to charge us €65 per month to park at the car park to come to work to try and make a living.
"There are people saying they are going to have to look for transfers because they can't afford it. People are thinking of leaving completely and working locally. It is a future staffing problem."
A spokeswoman for Liffey Valley Shopping Centre said that a discounted rate will be available for staff and it is still to be confirmed. She said: "A major refurbishment of the main car park will make the parking experience easier, safer and less stressful for visitors. The car park will be resurfaced, realigned and landscaped and new lighting and walkways are being installed throughout.
"Real-time information will assist people in getting parked more quickly and many more parking spaces will be available for drivers with a disability and parents and toddlers. The car park will also cater for electric vehicles with new dedicated electric charging points.
"In line with Local Authority guidance and Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy requirements, the new arrangements will also see the introduction of paid parking at the Shopping Centre in Q4 of this year – with a €2.50 charge to apply for the first hour of parking, with the next 2 hours after that will be free."
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