National Children's Hospital

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017

Wednesday, 25 January 2017

Questions (193)

Jack Chambers

Question:

193. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the considerations which have been given to the adequacy of parking spaces at the St. James’s Hospital site; the company or organisation which will manage car parking services following construction of the new national children’s hospital and relocation of the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to existing parking issues at the site; the measures which will be implemented to resolve these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3248/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The issue of access to the children’s hospital is of great importance to everyone associated with this project. The design of the hospital has recognised the need of most parents to access the hospital by car, and ample parking has been provided for families based on current and projected future demand. The parking system will also allow families to reserve spaces ahead of arriving to the hospital, and emergency drop-off spaces are also being provided. St. James’s Hospital campus is also better served by public transport than any other hospital in the country. An Bord Pleanála was satisfied with the measures proposed to mitigate traffic issues around the campus, and provide for parking (675 for families, 325 for staff), while also noting that no other site enjoys such connectivity with public transport.

In relation to the specific query raised on managing car parking services following construction of the new children's hospital and existing car parking issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.