CONCERNS over the ongoing shortage of parking at Letterkenny University Hospital were raised during today’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum West.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle asked for an update on plans to provide additional parking at the hospital campus, describing the issue as a “chronic shortage” affecting staff, patients and visitors.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan also raised concerns about capacity. He described the facilities as “bursting at the seams” and warned that further pressure will come when the new 110-bed community hospital opens.
Cllr McMonagle added that the lack of spaces is putting pressure on surrounding areas, with patients forced to park in nearby housing estates and shop car parks.
In response, the HSE said hospital management continues to work with the site’s car park management company and that efforts are ongoing to improve parking facilities.
The HSE said there are currently more than 1,100 parking spaces on the hospital campus. Over the past 18 months, a number of reserved spaces have been reconfigured to create additional parking for patients and visitors near the hospital’s main entrance, while the dedicated short-term car park has also reopened.
Dermot Monaghan, Integrated Health Area Manager in Donegal, confirmed that plans are in place to provide further parking at both LUH and St Conal’s Campus.
Up to 25 additional spaces are expected to become available at LUH next month following the removal of a construction compound.
Longer-term plans include approximately 100 additional spaces at St Conal’s Campus by the fourth quarter of 2026, along with a further 25 spaces at LUH once Energy Centre construction works are completed later this year.
Cllr McMonagle welcomed the short-term progress but said it was “far away from the numbers required”.
He suggested adding an additional level to the existing car parks to double capacity, arguing it would be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to the previously suggested multi-storey facility.
Both councillors suggested the HSE arrange an onsite meeting to discuss the issues and possible solutions.
Mr Monaghan agreed that a meeting should take place.