Students and staff at the University of Limerick continue to report difficulties finding parking on campus, even as a recent UL report maintains that availability is not as limited as perceived.
Local public representatives say that improvements to bus services could help address ongoing pressures.
There are currently no plans to construct additional parking facilities at the University of Limerick. Future relief may come through the Park and Ride scheme to be installed at the Mackay Roundabout. The scheme is currently being planned as a temporary fixture for the upcoming Ryder Cup and is set to be ready for 2027, a year later than originally planned.
Councillor Ursula Gavan (Ind) is among those hoping that this temporary fixture can become a permanent one. Cllr Gavan said that investing money into setting the space up and then taking it down would not be “the most efficient use of public monies”. She added that Limerick City County Council “will be looking to progress the permanent P&R solution in the near future, pending funding”.
The idea of a permanent ‘Park and Ride’ would serve to reduce congestion issues, but it might not alleviate the parking problem, as some students are commuting by car from very close to campus. When asked why, Meabh Coyne, said “there’s no direct bus from where I live”. Maebh, who studies Bioscience at UL and lives on the Groody Road went on to say that due to poor bus service “you’re better off just walking”, something which isn’t feasible during the wet and windy Irish winter.
Councillor Peter Doyle (FG) made clear the need to “get students out of cars”, he firmly believes that improvements to the transport services are needed. He said “a more reliable bus service to UL and around Castletroy would help”. Cllr Doyle last year floated the idea of building a multi-story car park somewhere on campus, and then Student Life President Ronan Cahill also called for “improved infrastructure, both on university grounds and throughout the wider Castletroy area”.
A recent report made by UL’s Chief Commercial Officer, Robert Reidy, found that parking isn’t the issue it’s being made out to be. “Generally speaking, there are spaces available at almost all times, however at peak times available spaces on the south campus can be in high demand”. The report, circulated by UL President, Professor Shane Kilcommins, suggests that Tuesdays are the busiest day on campus. The report finds that for the other days of the week “there are many available spaces on the north and south campus”.
UL plans to introduce contactless payment machines in its paid car parks on campus. A UL spokesperson said installation could occur in the “near future” as UL is preparing to invite bids for the contract.
The university’s approach to parking is linked to its broader sustainability objectives including reducing its carbon footprint. The government is also opposed to the construction of new car parks at universities across the country for climate related reasons. The hope is that with the efforts of both UL and the local council, bus services can be increased, which will help address future demand.
With the ongoing housing crisis causing more students to commute from home, and RSA data showing increasing numbers of drivers on the road each year, demand for parking may continue to grow before conditions improve.