Parking is improving at hospital says HSE

Parking is improving at Roscommon University Hospital, according to the HSE.

At the recent meeting of the HSE West Regional Health Forum, the long standing issue of lack of parking at the hospital was debated. A solution to the issue has been stalled as the HSE awaits the completion of a plan for the future of the hospital campus.

Cllr Emer Kelly asked for the update, saying lack of parking has gone past crisis point. In response the HSE said the range of services offered, staffing levels and activity levels at RUH have all increased year-on-year. This has contributed to pressure on car parking capacity.

“The hospital understands the challenge this presents to 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,” it said. “The HSE is exploring all viable options onsite and off-site to address carparking and continues to engage with RUH and Roscommon County Council and key stakeholders on this matter.” 

A spatial plan for the whole RUH campus is being developed and additional car parking is a key part of it, the HSE continued.

“RUH has the support of our security officer who meets and greets patients and travelling companions at the set down area immediately adjacent to the urgent care centre building. Patients can be dropped off there or accompanied into the hospital to register or go to their appointment. In March 2026, we reconfigured some of our existing car parking spaces on site to designate a small number of 'patients only' parking at the front of the hospital, immediately adjacent to the urgent care centre. This area is accessed via barrier control and in conjunction with our security team. So far, it has proved to be successful and there is a good turnover of spaces throughout the day.” 

Cllr Emer Kelly said she noted the developments, which she said had resulted in a small improvement, but she was concerned that progress was not moving quickly enough.

“We are getting representations day on day on day about the parking at the hospital. People are having to abandon cars, there’s just not enough space there,” the independent councillor said. She asked when more spaces would be delivered to the site.

Integrated health area manager, Galway Roscommon, Ann Cosgrove said parking at RUH had “definitely” improved after staff parking had been pushed to the rear of the hospital.

“It has definitely helped but it is not a solution,” Ms Cosgrove said.

The additional spaces will come with further developments on the campus, she explained.

“The two most imminent developments that we hope will happen in Roscommon are the adult mental health unit and a replacement ward block. But you are talking about a few years before they are completed.” 

She said that the spatial plan for RUH is almost complete, and this will allow the HSE to plan for the hospital’s future.