Offered site for temporary additional parking at Roscommon hospital 'unsuitable' says HSE
Roscommon University Hospital
The HSE was offered temporary additional parking at Roscommon University Hospital but it was found to be "unsuitable".
Lack of carparking spaces at the hospital have been repeatedly highlighted by local politicians, patients and members of the local community for many years, with the HSE promising action as far back as 2017. The hospital has consistently received glowing patient reviews with the exception of its carparking facilities.
Documents released under FOI showed that in discussions between the HSE and the Mayo Roscommon Hospice earlier in 2024, the hospice advised that it had bought additional land at the rear of the PSCU (palliative care support unit) and that it was “open to including any submission that they would make to include parking for RUH, even in a temporary measure”.
When contacted about this, the HSE said that initial discussions about the possibility of temporary additional parking capacity at this green field site did take place.
“However, it was found this would require planning permission, and the creation of a carpark at the site may impact on future plans for the hospice. As a result it was found to be unsuitable,” the HSE said.
In further correspondence in November 2024 between the hospital and senior HSE officials, it was stated that the “site is extremely congested with cars” and staff and patients were resorting to parking on grass, kerbs and yellow lines. This was commented on by the Health and Safety Authority on two of its visits on site, according to the document.
The HSE confirmed that a requirement to review traffic management and pedestrian mobility across the campus was advised by the Health & Safety Authority.
“We have been making incremental improvements through the rearrangement and realignment of existing spaces, the installation of barriers in order to control access to areas, and we have also invested in the placement of bollards at kerbs so that pedestrians or those with mobility issues can safely move through the site.”
The spokesperson said that RUH has seen an increase in the range of services offered, staffing levels and activity in recent years, which has led to pressure on car parking spaces “We understand the challenge this presents to some staff and patients. There have been a number of off-site parking options explored within Roscommon Town, however, no arrangements have been agreed to date.”
