Government to phase out on-campus parking in universities
A recent article published by The Irish Times stated that under the state’s Public Sector Climate Action Mandate (2023), the government will require universities nationwide to phase out on-campus parking, where public transport options are available around university grounds.
“…Ambitious targets in the Climate Action Plan 2024,” says a spokesman for the University of Galway.
In a statement to Galway Pulse, the Department of Further and Higher Education said the decision lies with universities regarding campus master planning, as outlined in legislation.
However, the statement also outlined that the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate directs the phasing out of parking in buildings that have access to a range of public transport services. While also providing sufficient accessible parking is maintained for those with physical mobility issues.
A spokesman for the University of Galway told Galway Pulse:
“The University engages with [the] government as part of our Climate Action Roadmap and our requirements in this area. We also know the ambitious targets in the Climate Action Plan 2024.”
When questioned about the current on-campus facilities at the university, he stated:
“The University routinely monitors the capacity in our park and ride facility, which has been full for a few mornings or afternoons on some days this semester. This is partly due to more students living farther from campus”.
The Budget 2025 saw an increase of €7.50 per carbon tonne of petrol and diesel, further burdening commuting students. This will result in an additional cost of €1.48 more for a 60-litre diesel tank and €1.28 more for petrol. This makes Ireland the highest fuel taxation in the EU.
A shortage of accommodation continues to affect students around the country, and Galway is no exception. The spokesman for the University of Galway said that they were the only university in the country to have cut rates on their on-campus accommodation through being frozen or reduced over the last 2 years.
However, the on-campus accommodation is only open to first-year students (CAO), international students, students with a disability, and the Scéim Conaitheachta Gaeilge, an initiative by the university to promote the Irish language in their on-campus accommodation. This is the second consecutive year the Irish language initiative has only been offered to first-year students.
The state’s Public Sector Climate Action Mandate (2023) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 51% and improve energy efficiency by 2023.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the beginning of the year, in a joint project, Clean Air Together Galway City, in conjunction with Galway City Council, looked at the emissions in Galway City.
The project monitored nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an air pollutant of nitrogen and oxygen. This is produced when fossil fuel, including diesel, is burnt at high temperatures.
The results showed Galway City to be a clean area for NO2, with 71% of between 0 and 10 micrograms per cubic meter detected. Only 0.4% comprised the highest amount on the scale (70 plus).
