Tensions rise between Limerick students and residents due to lack of parking

LIMERICK residents are frustrated over the lack of parking near The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Moylish campus.

The lack of parking on campus is causing students to park in residential areas, taking up car spaces and footpaths.

One TUS student told Limerick Live: “It’s hard enough commuting everyday, you drive an hour every morning and then when you finally arrive there’s nowhere to park.”

Another student added: “With the housing crisis none of us can get accommodation and there’s not enough parking on campus, I don’t see the problem of parking on the side of the street where we’re not blocking anyone.”

Many students and residents feel the college should be putting more money towards parking spaces.

TUS made a statement to Limerick Live regarding the issue: “TUS continues to engage with residents in relation to parking around the Moylish Campus, while raising awareness among students that free parking spaces are currently available close to the campus.

“TUS has sourced additional parking for students at the TUS Gaelic Grounds and Baptist Church Car Park, both a short walk from Moylish, as well as additional staff parking at Thomond Park.

“Free parking for students is also available at the Coonagh Campus, with an hourly shuttle service from and to Moylish between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

“We continue to promote these options to students, working with the Students’ Union and relevant authorities, including An Garda Síochána.”

This criticism comes following the ongoing building of the college’s new 5,200 square metre Applied Sciences and Information Technology building on the Moylish campus.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio One, one local resident said: “We feel that TUS do not own the problem.

“They keep expanding the college and they seem to have plenty of room to build and build and build but they don’t seem to have any plan for where the students will park.”