By Dan Walsh
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow–Wexford Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has called for a funded plan to phase out hospital parking charges, arguing that patients and families should not have to pay to access healthcare.
According to Deputy Ó Súilleabháin figures provided by the HSE in response to a Parliamentary Question by Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, show that hospital car parking income at Wexford General Hospital rose from €184,961 in 2022 to €303,846 in 2025 – a 64% increase.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said told WexfordLocal.com: “Hospital car parking charges are a charge on being sick and visiting families and friends in hospital.
“No one chooses to be sick or to have a sick child in hospital. Yet patients and families in County Wexford are being asked to pay these charges repeatedly.
“People with disabilities, carers and families visiting loved ones in hospital are also being hit.
“The amount being raised through hospital parking has increased dramatically. Hospitals should not have to depend on money collected from sick people and their families.
“We need a funded plan to phase these charges out. The Government should provide replacement funding as charges are phased out, while ensuring hospital parking remains available for patients and visitors,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.
WexfordLocal.com 