Better information for accessible parking

SPACES is testing how parking sensors, mapping and Bluetooth tokens can help councils and businesses understand where accessible parking spaces are located and how they are used. The aim is to give the people who manage these spaces better information for planning and day-to-day decisions.

Pilot Applications open until 30 November 2026

If you hold a valid Irish Disabled Parking Permit (Blue Badge) and expect to use accessible parking in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown or South Dublin, you can apply to take part as a driver or passenger. You can live outside both council areas and still apply.

The pilot is planned to run from January to March 2027 at selected accessible parking spaces in both council areas. Access Earth will contact selected applicants with details about taking part.

How SPACES Works

Mapping

Mapping helps councils and parking operators see where accessible parking spaces are located and review how parking is provided across an area or site.

Parking Sensors

Small sensors installed in selected accessible parking spaces detect when a space is occupied.

Bluetooth Tokens

Pilot participants carry a small Bluetooth token during their usual journeys. When a token is detected at a participating space, it helps SPACES recognise that a pilot participant is present.

Find information for you

Blue Badge Holders

Find out who can take part, what carrying a Bluetooth token involves and how to get help applying. If you’re selected, you’ll be asked to carry the token during your usual journeys and may be invited to share feedback on your experience.

Read the Pilot Information

Councils & Local Authorities

Explore how SPACES could help your council understand where accessible parking spaces are located and how they are used across streets and car parks. That information could help you review existing provision and plan where accessible parking is needed.

Discuss a council pilot

For businesses and parking operators

If you manage parking at a retail centre, venue or car park, a SPACES pilot could help you understand when and how often your accessible parking spaces are occupied. Talk to us about your site and what you’d like to learn.

Discuss a pilot at your site

Questions about the Pilot

Do I still need my Blue Badge?

Yes. Continue to display your valid Blue Badge and follow the parking rules that apply. The Bluetooth token is used for the pilot. Your Blue Badge remains your parking permit.

You can keep your usual travel and parking routine. If selected, you’ll receive guidance on how to carry the token and what to do during the pilot.

The Bluetooth token has no GPS. When a sensor detects your token at a participating accessible parking space, SPACES uses the token’s ID in place of your name to record that a pilot participant was present. Access Earth does not share individual application responses with councils.

Before you decide whether to take part, Access Earth will explain what information the pilot collects, who can access it and how long it’s kept.

About the SPACES Project

SPACES stands for Smart Parking Accessibility and Compliance Enhancement System. It is a demonstration project led by Access Earth, co-funded by the European Space Agency.

The pilot is being delivered with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and South Dublin County Council. The Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland are supporting participant recruitment and engagement.