Man travelling to Limerick hospital says commute is 'easier' amid ongoing fuel protests

A MAN driving to and from Limerick University Hospital (UHL) has said its “nearly been easier” to travel from his Tipperary  home amid the ongoing fuel crisis protests. 

Speaking to the Limerick Leader / Limerick Live, the Tipperary native said he has been attending UHL for the past three days, where a family friend is currently an impatient following a general operation.

The man, who is living in Birdhill, said it has been “easier” to get there rather than a regular day of traffic as "hauliers and farmers" have kept hardshoulders clear for those who need to get through.

Once members of gardaí allowed the use, it was “fine" for him to progress on his journey. 

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He said, “Fair play to the hauliers who have offered their own diesel to supply the ambulance network if required,” adding that “true” men and women should be applauded for “the peaceful manner in which they are dealing with this horrible situation.” 

This comes on day four of protests, which are taking place throughout Limerick and beyond, due to the government’s response to rising fuel prices. 

On this, he continued, “Can't believe how bad the government's response has been to this whole thing. They may hang their heads in shame. 

“Talking always works in any region of the world. That's how all situations are always sorted,” said the 55-year-old. 

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins informed Limerick Live that he has been contacted by several members of the public who have had the opposite experience. 

According to the TD, a local carer heading towards Banogue could not attend a house call because she was asked by a protestor, who blocked her passage, for identification that she actually was a carer. 

He said another person was making their way to UHL when stopped and asked to show a letter proving they had an appointment. 

He further received a report of a local woman who had finished her chemotherapy session being stuck in traffic for four hours afterwards, even though she was as “sick as a dog.” 

There are also many people who aren’t receiving their much-needed home help as a result of the roads being blocked, Mr Collins claimed. 

As well as this, Limerick Live was also contacted by a carer in the Kildimo / Pallaskenry area by the name of Mary who was asking where she could access fuel. She did not want to give her full name.  

This follows on from a message that was sent to public representatives yesterday by Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer (REO) for HSE Mid West. She spoke of key concerns that arose from a major emergency management meeting, which she chaired.

The REO said, “There is a significant level of concern among management, staff and patients regarding the following: Difficulties for emergency (blue light) services navigating road blockages, severe delays for staff travelling to and from work- with journeys taking 4–6 hours instead of the usual 30 minutes, patients being unable to attend critical appointments (and) reports that several petrol stations in the vicinity of our only acute hospital are out of fuel, with serious implications for staff, patients and emergency services.”

She asked political leaders to highlight the voices of both hospital staff and patients during this “difficult period.” 

Ms Broderick assured those that the HSE are implementing all necessary mitigations at their disposal to maintain staff and patient safety at this time.