A CALL has been made for hospital car parking charges at University Hospital Limerick to be phased out, after income from the fees increased by 222% in four years.
Figures provided by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question by Sinn Féin spokesperson on health David Cullinane TD showed that car parking income at UHL rose from €446,787 in 2021 to €1,437,637 in 2025.
Nationally, hospital car parking income increased from €7.39 million in 2021 to €17.76 million in 2025.
Sinn Féin TD for Clare Donna McGettigan is calling for a funded plan to phase out hospital car parking charges, saying patients and families should not be charged because they need healthcare or are visiting someone in hospital.
“Income from hospital car parking fees at UHL rose from €446,787 in 2021 to €1,437,637 in 2025 – a 222% increase,” Ms McGettigan said.
“Hospital car parking charges are a charge on being sick and visiting families and friends in hospital.
“No one chooses to be sick or to have a sick child or relative in hospital. Yet patients and families in Clare and the wider Mid-West are being asked to pay these charges again and again.”
Ms McGettigan said the fees were particularly burdensome for people with disabilities, carers and families visiting loved ones in hospital.
She also raised concerns about the charges in the context of ongoing pressures at University Hospital Limerick.
“Appreciating the challenges faced by patients and staff at UHL when it comes to the level of overcrowding and the cancellation of elective procedures, it’s disappointing that these charges are being applied while many patients are treated on trolleys and in hospital corridors,” she said.
“The amount being raised through hospital parking has increased dramatically. Hospitals should not have to depend on money collected from sick people and their families.”
Ms McGettigan said the Government should provide replacement funding as charges are phased out.
“We need a funded plan to phase these charges out,” she said.
“The Government should provide replacement funding as charges are phased out, while ensuring hospital parking remains available for patients and visitors.”
