As students at the TU Dublin Tallaght Campus, we face a multitude of financial responsibilities, including tuition fees, accommodation, books, living expenses and increasing canteen costs. The introduction of paid parking on our campus, which is set to begin in December, adds yet another burden we must carry. For years, we have enjoyed free parking without any significant issues. Why should this change now?

The introduction of paid parking not only increases our cost of study, but will also add considerable time to our daily commute. The college was placed in Tallaght to provide third level education to a disadvantaged area, to help increase revenue and to serve the community.

Many of us rely on easy and accessible parking to balance academia, work, and personal life. The proposed change will have a profound effect on our schedules, adding unnecessary stress and time-constraints to our already demanding lives.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis and the financial impact of the pandemic still being acutely felt by many, now is not the time to implement a policy that further amplifies our financial challenges. We urge the TU Dublin Tallaght Campus administration to reconsider this policy and keep parking free for all students. Your signature can make a difference. Please sign this petition and share it with all students and lecturers in Tallaght to help preserve free parking on our campus.

There has been no direct communication from TUD - Tallaght or the Student Union surrounding the upcoming costs of implementing paid parking nor have they advised on what the revenue collected from paid parking will go.