Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017
194. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the way in which ambulance access will be prioritised at the new national children’s hospital in view of existing congestion issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3249/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra195. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on whether access to the new national children’s hospital through a single entrance at each end of the campus is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3250/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
The issue of access to the children’s hospital is of great importance to everyone associated with this project. The planning application submitted to An Bord Pleanála by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, the statutory body responsible for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children’s hospitals, to build the hospital on the St James’s campus included an Environmental Impact Statement detailed “traffic and parking” which included a traffic management and traffic mobility plan, endorsed by the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council, for the construction and operational phases of the hospital. A ten-day oral hearing took place in December 2015 in which traffic evidence was presented in detail and allowed for cross-questioning by those who had concerns. An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission without change to the proposed traffic and mobility plan.
In relation to ambulance access for the new children's hospital, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
