Is the end in sight for free Salthill parking as City Council eyes new revenue streams?

Differing views are emerging among City Councillors, with some opposing new charges and others suggesting that overnight parking fees or charges in designated car parks could be considered.

The debate follows confirmation by Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary that the local authority is examining "new areas, new roads where we haven't had parking charges," rather than increasing existing parking fees.

A spokesperson for Galway City Council confirmed that the local authority is reviewing existing income and potential sources of income - including income associated with the management of on-street parking and car parks.

“At a recent parking workshop with Elected Members, and as part of the new budget process, all areas of parking are being reviewed. Galway City Council has been listening to feedback from Elected Members to identify possible new locations for parking charges, but a proposal has not yet been finalised,” they added.

Social Democrats Cllr Alan Curran said the question of introducing paid parking was not a straightforward choice between supporting or opposing charges.

"Like a lot of decisions that we've to make in this city, I don't see this as a binary choice: yes I'm in favour, or no I'm not,” he said.

“We need equality in the provision of paid parking in the city. An area that charges for parking, will see increased demand in areas where parking isn't charged, leading to increased congestion, illegal parking, clogged communities.

"If we extend the parking zone into Salthill, we need to ensure that there are parking permits for residents, additional loading bays for deliveries, improved public transport and active travel, and enforcement."

He stressed that no agreement had been reached on extending parking charges into Salthill.

"We're not anyway close to any agreement on extending the parking zones, rather, we're looking at all options and the feasibility of such," he said.

However, Cllr Curran suggested retaining a period of free parking for shorter visits, while considering charges for overnight stays.

"I would also favour 2-3 hours of free parking for those who want a walk on the prom, a bite to eat in one of the local cafes and restaurants, browse the shops, or go for a quick dip,” he said.

“We know that the two main carparks in particular are regularly used for overnight or long-term residents parking.

"Its not the councils responsibility to subsidise the storage of private vehicles on public land, so I would be broadly in favour of an overnight rate to ensure spaces are available to locals and visitors to the village."

Fianna Fáil Cllr Alan Cheevers expressed opposition to introducing paid parking along the prom and Threadneedle Road, but suggested that charges in certain existing car parks could be considered.

He identified the car park beside the aquarium and playground as one possible location, along with the car park opposite Killorans.

Cllr Cheevers said the council needed to examine additional revenue streams and argued that Galway's existing parking charges were reasonable and fair.

Fine Gael Cllr Clodagh Higgins criticised the prospect of further parking charges as a means of raising revenue.

"We seem to be constantly reaching for the low hanging fruit when it comes to raising revenue,” she said.

“The answer to every financial challenge cannot be to reach further into people's pockets.”

She warned that charging along the prom could push cars into nearby residential streets.

"Charging for parking along the prom won't make the cars disappear,” she said.

“It risks pushing them into surrounding residential areas like Rockbarton, where residents already experience significant parking pressures, particularly during the summer months.

“We cannot solve one parking problem by creating another on somebody's doorstep.”

Cllr Higgins also highlighted the importance of Salthill to older people, swimmers and those recovering from surgery, while criticising the removal of parking meters and the increased reliance on online payment or Payzone outlets.

She said she had not received requests from residents' associations or business groups for paid parking in Salthill.

"Salthill is a public amenity, not a cash cow for the council, and I'll strongly oppose any attempt to introduce paid parking there without fully assessing the impact on our community," she said.

Fine Gael Cllr Eddie Hoare said existing parking problems should be addressed before any new charges were considered.

"I would not be in favour of this proposal," he said.

"I think a number of issues need to be addressed with parking in the city before more areas are added."

He pointed to the removal of parking spaces in Woodquay, The Crescent and Sea Road in recent years and said his calls for additional residents-only parking had not been addressed.

"Now is not the right time to be looking to introduce new locations," he said.

Parking concerns were previously raised during public consultation on Galway City Council's Salthill Village and Seafront Framework Plan.

A June 2025 report recorded 146 parking-related comments, including calls to retain free parking, while a subsequent report highlighted concerns about free spaces being occupied by commuters who did not spend money locally.

No decision has been made on introducing paid parking in Salthill, and no charging arrangements have been agreed.

All members of Galway City Council were contacted by the Galway City Tribune for their views on the possible introduction of paid parking in Salthill. Four Councillors responded.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme