Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
981. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the difficulties relating to parking facing university students in Cork (details supplied); if his Department has engaged with the university in relation to addressing these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16398/26]
View answerCork City Council has responsibility for parking services within the environs of University College Cork. All tertiary sector public bodies are encouraged to engage with Local Authorities, in addition to regional transport stakeholders, across a range of shared issues which encompass sustainable travel initiatives for students, staff and visitors to campuses. My Department has not engaged directly with UCC as, like all HEIs, they are autonomous bodies as set out in legislation. Under the Public Sector Climate Action Strategy 2023-2025, public bodies are tasked with encouraging the use of sustainable transport modes and to acquire the NTA’s Smarter Travel Mark, to demonstrate robust communications, policies, facilities, incentives and supports in favour of sustainable commuting.
