Objections to Limerick hub designed to cut hospital waiting times

HEALTH service bosses have suffered a setback in their plans to open a new facility designed to tackle hospital waiting lists.

As revealed by the Limerick Leader, the HSE is seeking permission to convert the former Scoil Carmel building at O’Connell Avenue in the city into a surgical hub.

But council planners have expressed concerns over elements of the project.

And 15 people have also objected to its development.

The HSE is planning surgical hub developments like these across the country.

It’s anticipated it will provide minor day surgery procedures and welcome up to 150 patients a day at the old school, which closed in 2016.

It comes with public health waiting list numbers continuing to spiral.

In a letter to HSE Estates, the arm of the health service dealing with the application, council planners have said they are “concerned with regard to traffic congestion” at the location.

They have also ordered a redesign to the proposed entrance, saying it appears to encroach onto O’Connell Avenue’s parking lane.

“A high level of trees are proposed for removal on site. This approach needs to be carefully revised and as many as possible shall be retained,” they added.

There’s been a backlash to the plans from people of the local community.

One objector said when the facility was used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre, drivers entering and leaving from New Street, just off O’Connell Avenue, “were a serious road safety risk, driving at inappropriate speeds.”

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Another claimed that when people were being vaccinated, vehicles were left to block the driveways of local residents.

One person expressed concern that the facility could bring a change to the current enjoyment of their lifestyle in the historic area.

Another local resident claimed the parking spots are already taken up by city workers parking their cars for the day and walking into the centre, due to a lack of parking spaces closer to the city centre.

One person complained of light pollution, while another expressed fear the new facility would impact the daylight in their home.

The HSE has six months to provide council with fresh information.

Only then will a decision be made.