MTU Cork students to protest over lack of car parking space

The Student's Union said lack of accommodation and public transport is forcing students to commute long distances to campus by car

MTU students are also calling for the university to provide adequate infrastructure for the current students, including appropriate spaces which are conducive to a good learning environment.

Students at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork will stage a walkout on Tuesday morning due to a lack of car parking space, an issue which has “fallen on deaf ears” for years.

Despite bringing the issue to college management time and time again, MTU’s Students’ Union said any pleas for a solution had “fallen on deaf ears”.

The Students’ Union said the lack of car parking space, which has been an ongoing issue for years, has been exacerbated due to growing student numbers, the lack of student accommodation and the fact  students are “forced to commute long distances just to get an education”. 

“Students are facing unbelievable levels of stress just to get to all of our campuses and to get to classes. Day in and day out, students are waiting for buses to arrive in the mornings and sometimes, when they do arrive, they are already full,” said MTU Cork Students’ Union president Isobel Kavanagh.

The protest, which will see students leave classes at 11.11am, will also call on the Government to increase investment in public transport and student accommodation and for a plan to support the growing numbers of students.

Public transport

Ms Kavanagh said it was imperative the frequency of public transport was increased, especially at peak times for those in a position to use it.

She added many students living at home due to a lack of affordable student accommodation must drive to college as they are unable to get buses from certain towns far from campus.

Ms Kavanagh said local residents would be “delighted” to see a park and ride service provided for students as it would reduce the level of parking in the surrounding areas, while also decreasing traffic congestion in the local community.

“We are ultimately calling for MTU to provide students with an adequate parking solution, for example, an efficient, dedicated, affordable park and ride service which would come into effect the day the students return to campus after the summer months,” she said.

MTU students are also calling for the university to provide adequate infrastructure for the current students, including appropriate spaces which are conducive to a good learning environment.

“It is great to see that MTU is erecting new buildings for future students, but it is evident that the current students have to suffer with the ‘not fit for purpose’ buildings that are currently in place.

“Ultimately, MTU spends too much time dwelling on decisions and simply misses the opportunities to avail of solutions that present themselves. This lack of decision-making is having a massive effect on all students and staff,” Ms Kavanagh said.

Ahead of Tuesday’s student protest, MTU said it understood and acknowledged the concerns raised by students regarding access to the Bishopstown campus.

“We recognise the convenience and accessibility of our campuses is an essential aspect of the student experience at MTU, and we are committed to exploring all options regarding how students and staff access our university,” a spokesperson said.

It said access to the campus was the subject of ongoing discussion with relevant stakeholders and authorities.

The university said it was exploring off-campus parking, including park and ride options while also working with local transport authorities to improve public transport options, especially at peak travel times.