Parking at Glencree Reconciliation Centre

On 9th August last, there was a major problem with walkers parking at Glencree Reconciliation Centre, when approximately 40 cars parked there without permission. The people were asked to move by the staff at the centre, however, they declined to move and also many refused to give their names. A note was also left on one car requesting that they call the Centre Manager which was ignored.

This incident caused major problems for the centre, particularly to their Restaurant business as there was absolutely no parking spaces left for clients, many of whom are elderly and unable to walk any distance. Many other clients drove in and out again as they assumed that the restaurant was full to capacity, hence the restaurant's daily takings were down considerably. In addition, the walkers used the centre's toilet facilities, leaving them in a mess and without using the restaurant facilities.

The Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation relies heavily on the profits from the Restaurant to keep it running efficiently and therefore the Sunday trade is vital to their survival. Parking is for the clients of the centre and it is not a public parking facility.

Due to the fact that the Centre was unable to ascertain who these walkers were, the WAI was asked to pass on their complaint to walkers and also to advise clubs that it will no longer be possible to park in the Centre or on the driveway entering the centre.