Galway City Council parking app shortlisted for national awards despite ongoing concerns
The Galway City Council’s parking app has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Ireland’s eGovernment Awards despite several concerns raised over the past year by both local representatives and residents.
Galway City Parking app, ‘Many Ways to Pay’ has been selected for the Ireland’s eGovernment Awards, in the categories ‘Smart Cities and Urban Development Award’ and the ‘Digital Services, Payments, and Transactions Award’.
Winners of this year’s Ireland eGovernment Awards will be announced in September.
The app remains the primary outlet to pay for city parking. However, the system has been heavily scrutinized by councillors and local residents.
In January 2025, 90 parking machines were shut down throughout the city due to an ongoing court case with parking meter company UTS Technologies.
Payments for parking are limited to Payzone Retail Outlets found in neighbouring businesses, the downloadable app, online payment, or phone payment.
As the machines remain fully out of service, motorists are directed towards the app through signage.
In October 2025, the Irish Independent spoke to shopkeepers in parking areas asking how the transition to the app has affected business. In their response they observed increased frustration and tardiness from clients and shoppers, as well as an inaccessibility for the elderly and tourists.
“I wouldn’t say there is a single demographic [not confused], even locals are asking. Obviously, there’s a lot of people who can’t use the apps or find it difficult to use their devices to be able to get to these websites,” one shopkeeper said.
“With the tourists, it was a nightmare because the app was allocated to only be allowed to be downloaded if you set your App Store to Ireland,” he added.
Councillor Mike Cubbard said the system is leaving the council “looking incompetent”.
A review of Galway city’s parking data is expected to be presented to Galway City Councillors in August. This review will act as the baseline for a workshop to mediate parking problems and pay efficiency.
The review had been pushed back to August to allow for a full year of information from the new pay-by-phone system. Councillors agreed they will tehn schedule a consultation workshop “at a convenient time for all members”.
Responding to the Irish Independent, Galway City Council said: “As the Council processes approximately €2.6 million in parking charges annually (Average 2017 to 2024 excluding Covid years), with significant related operating and processing costs, the launch of a digital parking service and the planned reduction of reliance on pay parking machines was an important and prudent course of action from a financial perspective.”
“GCC will continue sharing information and support so no one is left out - including people who are learning digital skills, people with literacy needs, older people, visitors and anyone who needs extra help.”
“On street/car park signage is being redesigned so that the payment options and what you need to know to pay (reg, time, zone) are easily found, making a smooth and easy transaction for residents and visitors alike.”
This article was amended on July 22 to include a statement from Galway City Council.