HSE reveals plans for new hospital entrance
Merlin Park Hospital is located on extensive parkland.
The HSE is seeking to identify a new entrance to Merlin Park Hospital in Galway, which is set to become busier than ever with the development of new facilities.
Integrated Area Health Manager for Roscommon and Galway, Ann Cosgrove, told members of the Regional Health Forum West and North West about the plans at their recent meeting.
“The Merlin Park site is without doubt getting busier, and with the new surgical hub and phase two of the elective hospital due for completion in the coming years, there is definitely a need for a specific junction and entrance into the hospital.”
In relation to suggestions it should be tied into the Coolagh Roundabout on the N6/M6, she added: “The Coolagh Roundabout is private land and would make it a very complex project so we will have to make a planning application ourselves. Previously we had identified one at Galway Crystal but we know there will be issues around any direction we go and are working on this with our Estates colleagues.”
She agreed that parking is also an issue on site but said the situation had improved following the introduction of controlled parking and that each unit will have its own designated parking spaces going forward, adding: “Ultimately, there will be a multi-storey carpark, but the volumes going in and out of the main road onto the site certainly has to be addressed.”
While the site itself is very spacious, she said the HSE will be using the space judicially and did not want to lose all the green areas at Merlin Park.
“These make it attractive for people to come into the hospital and it is important to have settings and walkways, considering people are coming in at stressful times.”
She said the current traffic in and out of Merlin Park University Hospital via the Dublin road is circa 4,500 to 4,800 vehicles movements per day, and that while the HSE has engaged with Galway City Council in regard to bus services on the Old Dublin Road, this had not progressed.
The HSE owns144.8 acres at Merlin Park, with 64.25 acres zoned as recreational and amenity, meaning no healthcare or any other development is permitted.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
