Maxwell calls for multi-storey car park at Mayo University Hospital

GENERAL election candidate Cllr Chris Maxwell has called for a multi-storey car park to be built in Mayo University Hospital (MUH). 

The Independent Ireland councillor said a new car park must be installed at the hospital, where he described the parking situation as ‘crazy’ following a recent visit. 

At present, people attending or working at MUH can pay a fee to park in one of the hospital car parks. Paid parking is also available at ATU Mayo or on the side of the street across from the hospital. There is also a set-down facility to allow patients to access the front of the hospital. 

Speaking to The Mayo News, Cllr Maxwell said he has received several representations from constituents regarding the lack of parking for patients at MUH. 

“People were telling me that are going in there for cancer treatment, they are going in for dialysis, but they are also going in for chemo,” Cllr Maxwell explained.

“They have to park up and they have to have an appointment, and when they go in looking to get a car parking spot running around in circles they cannot get a place and then they might have to walk ten or fifteen minutes until they get a spot, and it’s probably down the road or it could be anywhere and it’s putting stress on them. They have enough on their minds without having to be running around looking for a car park.”

Plans are currently being progressed to construct a new two-storey emergency block at Mayo University Hospital. 

Over €4 million has been approved for capital works at the hospital, including €3.9 million for an electrical upgrade and over €500,000 for the reconfiguration of the Hospital Sterile Services Department. 

A further €70,000 has been approved for an updated Development Control Plan for the hospital campus and adjacent lands in conjunction with Mayo County Council’s Local Area Plan. Additionally, €100,000 has been allocated to refurbish the An Coilín and Teach Aisling high-support community residences to accommodate nine residents in three residential units.

Saolta Hospital Group said in a statement to The Mayo News: Mayo University Hospital is constantly striving to improve car park facilities at the hospital. “There is one main public car park and two staff car parks in Mayo University Hospital. We have identified the need for additional car parking spaces which will be incorporated into the site development control plan. In the interim, there are a number initiatives underway that will improve car parking facilities for patients. Further measures to improve access to the public hospital site in Mayo include the promotion of staff initiatives such as the cycle to work scheme and car-pooling.”