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10 Feb 2026

“This is essentially a tax on the sick”  - Kilkenny TD

Deputy Peter Chap Cleere is calling for free hospital parking for those in need

26 patients on trolleys at St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny

St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny

Reporter:

Mary Cody

10 Feb 2026 3:35 PM

Fianna Fáil TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has called for targeted measures to provide free hospital parking for those who need it most.
His call comes after new revealed that more than €1.2 million has been collected in parking charges at St. Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny over the past three years.
Deputy Cleere received confirmation that the hospital generated €1,219,574 in car parking revenue during that period. The car park brought in €360,467 in 2023, rising to €397,962 in 2024 and increasing again to €461,145 in 2025.
Reacting to the figures, Deputy Cleere said both the HSE and the Department of Health must examine how targeted supports can be introduced to reduce the cost of hospital parking for vulnerable and frequent users.
He said the current system places an unfair burden on patients and families already facing the stress of illness.
“This is essentially a tax on the sick,” Deputy Cleere 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.”
St Luke’s General Hospital currently charges €4 per day for parking, with the first 30 minutes free.
Deputy Cleere said the Department of Health should examine policies similar to those operated by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, where free parking is provided to those with the greatest need, including outpatients who attend hospital appointments at least three times within a month over a period of at least three months.
“These are practical measures that must be explored in order to reduce the burden on those most dependent on hospital services,”he said.
“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.”
Deputy Cleere acknowledged that income from parking can be reinvested into hospital resources but said hospitals should not become so reliant on this revenue that reasonable relief measures cannot be introduced.
“While this money is put to good use, provisions must be made for regular visitors.
“If someone has to attend the hospital multiple times in a week, it is unfair that they face additional financial pressure simply because they are sick or undergoing treatment.”

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