Galway City Council launches Parking Payments Learning and Information Packs

Group with Mayor at Parking Information Pack Launch outside City Hall

 

GCC Collaborating with Literacy Trainers in GRETB and Age Action to support clear, inclusive Communications around Parking Payments

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard was joined by Literacy Trainers from Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) and Age Action this week (Friday 16 January) to launch a new Parking ‘Learning and Information Pack’. The pack was developed with a literacy expert to help people easily understand the updated parking payment options available across the city. The pack will be used as part of GRETB and Age Action’s free digital literacy training programmes. If you know of someone who would benefit from support, please share the information pack and contacts for GRETB/ Age Action with them. See below for  information on training opportunities, or to download the information and learning pack. 

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “The way you pay for parking has changed in Galway City recently. You can now pay on the free ‘Galway City Parking’ app; online at www.GalwayCityParking.ie; by phone on 091 894 300; or in a Payzone shop in Galway City. Galway City Council wants to make sure this transition is as easy as possible for everyone. To that end, Galway City Council has worked with a literacy expert to develop a resource to help people pay for parking in the way that suits them best, whether parking on the street, or in the four Galway City Council car parks where charges apply. Thank you to our partners in Age Action and GRETB for engaging on this initiative.”

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council, said, “Galway City Council wants to make parking simple, fair, and easy for everyone. Some people prefer digital payments, while others still want to use cash. The new payment system helps both. Galway City Council will keep giving information and support so that no one is left out. This includes people who are learning digital skills, people with literacy needs, older people, visitors, and anyone who needs extra help. No matter what way you now pay, you do not need a paper ticket. Once you have paid for parking, you do not need to display anything in your car window.”

Brendan Moriarty, Galway City Adult Literacy Organiser, GRETB, said, "GRETB is delighted to collaborate on this important initiative with Age Action and Galway City Council. The Parking 'Learning and Information Pack' reflects Galway's commitment to adult literacy needs, and addresses the core aims of the Adult Literacy for Life strategy: removing barriers, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that everyone can access essential information with confidence. Clear communication is a cornerstone of literacy, and this project shows what is possible when public services work together with communities. Galway City Council’s commitment to accessible, user‑friendly information demonstrates real solidarity with learners of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to support this work through our digital and literacy training programmes.”

Hannah Delaney, Western Development Officer, Age Action, said, “Age Action is proud to support older people to build confidence and skills in using digital technology. We will include the Parking Payment Learning and Information Packs in our free Getting Started digital literacy programme. Getting Started supports older people to get online or use their smartphone with confidence, through one-to-one learning with a volunteer tutor, at their own pace. The packs will be available through our Age Action Community Hub and free Digital Drop-In service. Age Action welcomes that Galway City Council has also made provision for people who wish to pay by phone or in cash at Payzone shops, to facilitate people who are not online.”

 

What’s included in the Information Packs:

The packs provide clear, step‑by‑step guidance on:

  • Four easy ways to pay – app, online, by phone or in a Payzone shop
  • What you need to know to pay for parking
  • Where am I Parked? Parking ‘Zones’ in Galway City
  • Parking charges
  • Details of Payzone shops where you can pay with cash or card
  • Where to find further information and customer support

Where to Access the Learning and Information Pack:

The packs are available in English and Irish online at www.GalwayCity.ie

Download the English Parking and Information Learning pack

Packs are also available at the Age Action Community Hub on Francis Street (open Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 1pm). 

Galway City Council will host free drop-in information sessions in community groups in the city. To request a session, please contact CustomerService@GalwayCity.ie

GRETB and Age Action Digital literacy training sessions will offer training on the parking learning and information packs for those interested in availing of same.

Training Opportunities with GRETB and Age Action:

Age Action - Free Services for Older people in Galway:

The Age Action Community Hub for older people is on Francis Street in Galway City, H91XF1P, with three main activities currently on offer:

For more information, call: (091) 527 831, or email: info@AgeAction.ie

 

Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board Literacy Training

There are a number of training courses starting this month. 

Digital Drop-in Clinics are also taking place in Tuam, Athenry, Oranmore, Clifden and Loughrea, with further locations planned.

Contact an Adult Literacy Officer for information on Digital Literacy courses in your area, or see www.GABES.ie./Literacy--Numeracy

Adult Literacy Officers in Galway 

 

Image Caption:

Pictured at the launch of the Parking ‘Information and Learning Packs’ are (left to right):

Back Row: Patrick Fox, Adult Literacy for Life Regional Literacy Coordinator, GRETB; Lisa Martyn, Librarian, Ballybane Library; Ruth Kelly, Galway Adult Basic Education Service, GRETB; Mary Dunne, Principal Consultant/ Director, IRegan; Oliver Lydon, Community and Urban Development Officer, Galway City Council; Natalie Coen, Community and Urban Development Officer, Galway City Council; Martin Kenny, Administration Officer, Galway City Council; Deirdre Keaney Cunningham, Community and Urban Development Officer, Galway City Council. 

Front Row: Hannah Delaney, Western Development Officer, Age Action; Caroline Rowan, Galway City Library; Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard; Arlene Finn, Communications Officer, Galway City Council; Patrick Greene, Director of Services, Galway City Council; Michelle Fahy, Assistant Staff Officer, Galway City Council; Brendan Moriarty, Galway City Adult Literacy Organiser, GRETB. 

Photo: Aengus McMahon.