‘Lives could be at risk’ in row over Galway hospital helipad plans

 Councillors will vote in November on plans for a temporary air ambulance helipad in Shantalla, while a new two-storey carpark is built on the grounds of University Hospital Galway.

 But there’s a strong possibility that the temporary location at the Shantalla Community Park will be strongly opposed by local people who have resisted previous attempts by the HSE to build a medical centre on the site.

 If the proposal is shot down, leaving the hospital without an emergency landing pad for six months, lives could be at risk, a city councillor has warned.

 The City Council and the HSE West is planning to provide the facility in Shantalla Community Park, off the Browne Roundabout, for six months. It is to allow for the construction of a decked carpark on an existing carpark on the hospital grounds. The new plans involve the construction of a paved landing area, with a pathway to the existing carpark – the site will be returned to parkland when the new carpark is completed.

 Yesterday, Councillor Billy Cameron said that lack of trust in the HSE by local people and poor communications had made residents very wary of any proposal put forward by the HSE.

 “They have tried land grabs before and failed and already the Shantalla Residents Association are calling an emergency meeting to discuss the matter.

 “It may be temporary and there’s no doubt that such a facility is needed in a busy hospital like UHG and that without it, lives could be lost, but the distrust between the residents and the HSE is of the Garavahy Road proportions.

 “Who’s to say that the new incoming council next year wouldn’t turn around and make what is a temporary situation permanent. That is the main concern of local people.”

 The plans went on public display in City Hall yesterday and will be available for inspection until October 7, while the public can make submissions until October 21. A report will then be prepared for city councillors, who are expected to vote on the matter in November.

 The new carpark on the hospital grounds will be a double-storey deck, with 238 spaces and will be located between the pathology building and the paediatric unit.

 Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel