Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2016
206. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans to alleviate the traffic accessibility problems that are a cause for concern if the site for the new children's hospital goes ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36770/16]
View answerThe campus at St. James’s hospital benefits from a full suite of transport options including private car, national rail, LUAS, bus, bicycle, pedestrian and taxi. Notwithstanding the public transport accessibility of the site, the need of most parents to access the hospital by car is recognised, and ample parking has been provided for families based on current and projected future demand.
The planning application to build the new children’s hospital on the St. James’s Campus included a traffic management and traffic mobility plan for the construction and operational phase which was endorsed by the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council. A 10-day oral hearing took place in December 2015 in which traffic evidence was presented in detail and allowed for cross questioning by those who had concerns. Planning permission was granted in April 2016 without change to the proposed traffic and mobility plan.
An Bord Pleanála's inspector's report, which includes assessment and recommendations in relation to traffic impact at construction and operational stages, can be found at http://www.pleanala.ie/documents/reports/PA0/RPA0043.pdf
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
