barrymah EI846 from Brussels arrived on Stand 9 (Gate 5) yesterday witnessed it myself, not a very long walk but I suppose you did mention you had the family with you very understandable.
But Barry why didn't you take the shuttle bus with the family? its free and runs every 5 minutes to the long-term car park.
Regarding Aer Lingus going to 4 in Winter,
This is very far off, and wont be happening for a while.