Transport

University of Galway is committed to sustainable transportation planning and implementing, and continuously improving and promoting sustainable transportation opportunities and programmes for the campus community. See some of our sustainable transport initiatives below.

Photo by Prof. Chaosheng Zhang

Why is this important? 

Unsustainable transport and travel patterns have major negative impacts on human health and the environment. Increased reliance on single-occupancy vehicles is leading to localised traffic pollution and congestion, higher levels of obesity and continued dependence on imported fossil fuels.

‌University of Galway workplace Travel Plan

Our workplace Business and Staff Travel Report aims to:

• increase staff and student active travel and public transport use
• reduce staff and student car use
• improve the health and wellbeing of staff and students
• reduce the impact of University travel on the City's road network i.e.
  traffic congestion
• off-site car parking in the locality of the University
• support the University's Green Flag aspirations

2022 Travel Survey

The 2022 Travel Survey revealed that on average, our staff travel further to campus, with 72% of them using a motor car (a lack of alternatives and other commitments are the most significant determinants). In general, our students live closer and 59% of them use active transport (walking, cycling). Active travel mode falls steeply with distance of commute. For students that drive a car, a lack of alternatives and quickest commute time are cited as the more significant determinants. The total percentage of students that use more sustainable commuting options is 83% compared to 42% for staff. Greater than 50% of both cohorts were open to changing to public transport or cycling.

National Transport Authority -  Smarter Travel Campus 

Galway City Bike sharing scheme

University of Galway participates in the Galway City Bike sharing scheme with three stations located on campus. Coca-Cola Zero® Bike stations are located throughout the city of Galway to provide a healthy and convenient means of transport.

Bicycle parking on campus

There are covered and uncovered, secure and unsecure cycle racks throughout the campus. Cycle racks are mostly monitored by CCTV. However, cyclists are strongly encouraged to ensure that they lock their bicycle appropriately with a strong lock.

The University of Galway recently installed new accessible bike shelters on campus to make sustainable travel easier for people with impaired mobility and families.

See our Cycling Facilities Map for the locations of the bike parking areas on campus.

An Mheitheal Rothar

An Mheitheal Rothar are a bicycle cooperative established by University of Galway students on campus, offering staff and students affordable bicycles and maintenance training (both free and paid). University of Galway house the cooperative and provide it with workshops and stores on campus. Most bicycles sold are recycled, reused and repaired:

A free cycle clinic is offered to staff and students. The public workshops are currently held from 6-9pm on Wednesdays and 12-3pm on Fridays. These are open to the general public.

Electric vehicle parking spaces & GoCars

Electric Vehicle charging spaces are located close to key buildings with high staff profile.

University of Galway collaborate with GoCars, so that GoCars are parked on campus offering staff and students the use of efficient cars whose embodied energy is shared. GoCars are hired by the hour and therefore provide students and staff with a user friendly, efficient mode of transport. GoCar allows you to rent cars for as little as half an hour, using a booking system to reserve the vehicle and in-car technology to unlock the car and drive. Electric vehicle charging spaces as of 2020 and growing campus wide. There are a number of charging points that are also adjacent to the campus offering fast charging.

Cycle to Work Scheme

The Cycle to Work Scheme is available to all staff at University of Galway. You can use a salary sacrifice arrangement to save up to 52% of the retail price of bike and equipment.

Cycle to Campus Scheme

The secure bicycle compound (see the Cycling Facilities map for location) is located to the west of the Arts Science Building. Anyone with a valid in date student / staff University ID card can access the compound. As part of ongoing improvements to cycle facilities, additional covered bicycle racks have been installed in several places around campus.

Showers for cyclists are available in various buildings (see the Cycling Facilities map for locations).

Walking to and Around Campus

The Walking Times Map shows the approx. walk time in minutes from locations around the city.

University of Galway is committed to removing barriers for people with disabilities, but it is often difficult on older campuses to navigate a route that is free from steps, descents and other physical features.  

The Blue Dots Route was an initiative from the office of the Vice-President for the Student Experience.   This dotted route is intended to help you navigate a north-south line through the majority of the campus, a route that is as accessible as possible.  Details of the Blue Dots Route is on the Campus Map on our Maps page.

Travel Pass Scheme

University of Galway is committed to promoting positive and sustainable mobility management initiatives for its staff. As a result of Government policy which promotes the use of public transport, there is a tax saving available to staff who forego a portion of their salary and replace it with an annual commuter ticket purchased by University of Galway for use on Public transport. Click here for more information.

Park & Ride Scheme

The Park and Ride car park is located in Dangan (to the northwest of Corrib Village). It can be accessed via the entrance to Corrib Village, off the Upper Newcastle Road. Opening hours are from 0600 to 2300 on weekdays only. The spaces in the Park and Ride are for staff and students only, but the Pay and Display/Pay by Phone spaces are available for visitors if they purchase a ticket from the nearby machine or online via the app (apcoaconnect). To exit the car park, drive up to the exit barrier which will automatically rise. 

The Park & Ride scheme aims to reduce the amount of cars on campus.

Park and Ride Timetable / Amchlár na Seirbhíse Páirceála agus Taistil