Northern Ireland

GAA says Clonliffe College car park 'will not be available' this weekend

The Clonliffe College car park is located close to Croke Park. Picture by Google
The Clonliffe College car park is located close to Croke Park. Picture by Google The Clonliffe College car park is located close to Croke Park. Picture by Google

THE GAA last night confirmed that a popular car park adjacent to Croke Park used by thousands of supporters "will not be available" this weekend.

As Derry and Armagh fans prepare for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-finals, it has emerged that Clonliffe College car park will be closed.

It is understood that many supporters travelling to Dublin for the games are unaware of the closure, while others have been scrambling to secure advanced parking slots at other venues nearby.

An estimated 120,000 spectators are expected to descend on Croke Park over the weekend with more than 70,000 fans expected for Sunday’s double bill.

Ulster champions Derry take on Clare on Saturday, the first game in a double-header with Leinster champions Dublin facing Cork later that day. On Sunday, Armagh GAA play Galway ahead of Kerry later taking on Mayo.

However, Clonliffe College car park, located a short walk from Croke Park, will not be open.

A spokesman for the GAA last night told The Irish News: "Clonliffe will not be available as it is under new ownership and exploratory work has started on the site before it is repurposed."

He added that "as ever, we encourage people to explore the various different modes of public transport, where possible".

Other car parks located near Croke Park include O’Connell Schools’ car park on North Circular Road and Q-Park at the Spire car park on Marlborough Street.

The GAA purchased the 31.8 acres Clonliffe College for €95 million, but later sold on 19 acres to international property firm, Hines for housing.

Last year, An Bord Pleanala gave the go-ahead to the GAA for a seven storey 200-bedroom hotel on the grounds of the college.

It is understood that the GAA intends to develop 12.8 acres to include pitches, a clubhouse and changing rooms.