HSE West has again declined to say when it will give back public land that it temporarily loaned from the community.
The HSE dodged the question at a Regional Health Forum meeting about when it will return the helicopter landing pad at University Hospital Galway back to the community.
Tony Canavan of HSE had originally said that the hospital needed Shantalla pitch for just six months as a temporary landing pad for helicopters.
The commitment to be gone in six months was given in November 2013 – but over three years later, and the helipad is still in existence, and the pitch is out of commission for the people of Shantalla.
But, no firm commitment about a return date was offered in response to questioning from Labour Party City Councillor Niall McNelis.
“Lands identified for return to the local authority will be reinstated to grass, at an estimated cost of €10,000. Lands will be given back for community use as soon as all arrangements for an alternative helicopter landing pad have been agreed with the Irish Coast Guard and Air Corps and associated safety improvements works have been carried out,” said Ann Cosgrove, Chief Operating Officer said.
She said that Galway City Council has requested the HSE contribute to a transport management plan it is developing for proposals for access to UHG off the Browne Roundabout at Corrib Park.
“It is intended that the development of the Galway City Council scheme will address the requirements of the emergency services for improved facilities for helicopter landing and for transfers between an ambulance and a helicopter. In the short-term, additional safety improvements works are being organised,” she added.
Ms Cosgrove confirmed that helicopter landings at the helipad have reduced compared with last year. She said there were 21 landings to date in 2017.
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