Senator Alison Comyn has called on the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, to urgently examine the cost of hospital car parking for cancer patients, highlighting the significant financial and physical burden placed on those undergoing treatment.
Speaking in Seanad Éireann ahead of Daffodil Day, Senator Comyn praised the extraordinary work of the Irish Cancer Society and used the opportunity to raise the issue of parking charges faced by patients attending oncology services.
“Daffodil Day is a powerful reminder of the incredible support provided by the Irish Cancer Society to patients and their families at the most vulnerable times in their lives,” Senator Comyn said. “However, we must also recognise the everyday financial pressures faced by those undergoing treatment.”
The Senator highlighted that patients attending chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other oncology appointments can face daily parking charges of up to €10 or more, costs which quickly accumulate over weeks and months of treatment.
“For someone attending hospital regularly for cancer care, these charges are not incidental, they are substantial. At a time when people should be focused solely on their health and recovery, they are instead worrying about the cost of parking.”
Senator Comyn also raised specific concerns about parking capacity and accessibility at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
“The most recent available figures show that hospital car parking generated approximately €500,000 in revenue in 2023 alone. Yet patients and staff continue to report significant difficulties in accessing parking on campus.”
She noted that limited on-site parking, originally intended for elderly and vulnerable patients, is often unavailable, forcing people to park off-site and walk considerable distances.
“Patients, including those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or attending with young children, are being forced to park across busy roads and walk to appointments, often in poor weather conditions. The removal of the shuttle bus service to and from the Cross Lanes car park has only made this issue worse.”
Senator Comyn emphasised that while hospitals currently have discretion in setting parking charges, there is a clear need for a consistent national approach.
“I am calling on the Minister for Health to come before the Seanad to discuss the introduction of a nationwide policy to waive or significantly reduce parking fees for those undergoing cancer treatment. Compassion must be at the heart of our healthcare system.”
She concluded by reiterating the importance of supporting patients in practical, meaningful ways.
“This is a simple, tangible measure that would ease the burden on patients and families at an incredibly difficult time."
ENDS