Kilkenny hospital records significant increase of income from car parking fees
Around €73m has been taken in nationally from hospital car parking fees over the last five years
St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny had an increase of over €60,000 in revenue taken in from its car park last year as calls for a cap on hospital parking fees are being made in the midst of record national income.
Visitors to the Kilkenny hospital shelled out €397,962 in 2024 with this figure increasing to €461,145 the following year, marking a jump of over 15% in money paid for parking.
These numbers come as the patients and family members were charged €17m nationally last year, a record annual figure, and a 140% jump in five years from €7m in 2021.
The rise is contrary to commitments made in the Programme for Government which pledges to “explore further ways” to reduce parking fees at public hospitals.
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The maximum daily rate at St Luke’s is capped at €4, but hospitals like St Vincent’s in Dublin and Cork University Hospital can see visitors being charged as much as €17 and €15 respectively.
Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, has previously urged that targeted measures be introduced to relieve the pressure on the most vulnerable people affected.
“This is essentially a tax on the sick,” he said. “If you are a frequent visitor to the hospital, whether because of your own illness or while supporting a loved one, parking fees at the current rate can seriously hit your pocket and add to the stress of an already difficult time.
“There are practical measures that must be explored in order to reduce the burden on those most dependent on hospital services.”
“This would be a targeted approach that supports the most vulnerable in society. Hospitals could still reinvest parking income into services while protecting those who need help the most,” he added.