Free parking for Galway Christmas shoppers confirmed at two university car parks
Two Galway university car parks will open free of charge to commuters in the run-up to Christmas, easing pressure on city centre parking during the busy shopping period.
Councillor Eddie Hoare confirmed to the Irish Independent that agreements have been reached for the use of the ATU Galway car park on Dublin Road and Corrib Village at the University of Galway.
The free parking will operate from December 19 to December 24. Both sites are within walking distance of major bus routes serving the city centre, while the University of Galway campus itself is only a short walk from town.
When the proposals were first presented to councillors, the Corrib Village option had been budgeted at €10 per driver. However, the agreement signed this morning ensures the service will be provided free of charge.
Cllr Hoare said that while neither university will levy a fee on the council, costs will arise from marketing and advertising. These campaigns are due to roll out next week and were estimated at €10,000 during the October plenary meeting.
Although parking will be free, commuters will still need to pay bus fares. Director of Finance Helen Kilroy confirmed that no allocations were made in this year’s budget to cover those or the marketing costs.
Concerns over pedestrian safety at the ATU Galway campus were also raised, particularly regarding the absence of a walkway near the roundabout and heavy traffic in the area. No advise has been given towards these concerns.
Cllr Hoare said he hopes the initiative will serve as groundwork that can be “expanded on” across the city.