Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

346. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to address the prices (details supplied) of the official Our Lady of Lourdes car park in Drogheda, to reduce the cost to the visitors and in particular persons that are regular visitors and are being adversely financially affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48156/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is a significant demand for car parking at all hospitals. Consequently, the efficient management of parking spaces and traffic flow on hospital campuses is of crucial importance. This is to ensure on-going availability of parking spaces; free flow of traffic on campus; unobstructed access for emergency vehicles at all times; proper use of spaces designated for drivers with disabled permits; and proper use of spaces designated as drop off points near the hospital entrance.

The HSE (Health Service Executive) has advised that it does not have one single contract to provide parking services at all hospitals. Instead each hospital has a unique arrangement which reflects its specific circumstances.

Arrangements for car parking generally is an operational matter for the HSE. The HSE has advised that it does not provide guidelines on hospital parking and each hospital/hospital group implements their own guidelines. The HSE has advised me that it keeps hospital parking charges under review.

In response to the particular queries raised, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.