New car parking spots planned at University Hospital Limerick

PLANS are being finalised to add more than 100 new parking spaces at University Hospital Limerick.

HSE bosses have signalled their intention to apply to Limerick City and County Council to construct a new car park in a move which will see the new vehicle spots for staff and visitors at the Dooradoyle hospital.

In a planning notice, the health service has stated its planning to construct a “double basement car park” on the grounds of UHL.

This will see parking spots created at both one level below ground and two levels underground.

As a consequence of this, 131 new vehicle parking spots will be created.

Minister claims wait times are ‘not acceptable’ at University Hospital Limerick

While the UL Hospitals Group did not return a request for comment, the news has been welcomed by local Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler.

He said: “'These additional parking spots are very welcome given the significant issues a lack of parking has caused for local residents in the surrounding estates of UHL. I also hope that this will support staff to be able to get to and from work safely and efficiently.”

At present, the City West councillor argued, a lack of parking on site leaves staff “scrambling” for parking, and having to arrive early to find space “on top of an already lengthy shift”.

“For local residents it has meant being kept prisoner in their own homes as people park across gates,” he added.

Following the advertising of the planning notice in last week’s Limerick Leader, those leading the development have a fortnight to submit papers to council planners.

The application comes around the same time UL Hospital Group bosses seek planning permission for another new development - an extension to its radiology unit.

As reported in the Limerick Leader, permission is to be sought from the local authority for a single-storey extension to the department in Dooradoyle.

Permission sought to expand radiology department at University Hospital Limerick

The facility provides a service to patients who have injuries and diseases which need to be diagnosed and treated using high-tech tools like X-Rays, MRI scans and CT scans.

Radiology is the science which deals with the use of these procedures.

A spokesperson for the UL Hospitals Group said the extension plan, if approved, could pave the way for a third MRI scanner at UHL.

If approved, it’s anticipated works could be completed by the end of 2024, UL Hospitals wrote in response to a query.