Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Chief Executive of Galway Hospice says the charity is delighted to have been given the majority of backing for a new facility at Merlin Park.
At last evening’s meeting of Galway City Council, a vote to allow the new centre was passed by 11 votes to 6 with one councillor absent.
Galway Hospice currently has 18 bed spaces at its centre in Renmore – too few spaces to cope with the heavy pressure on waiting lists for inpatient services.
The HSE has agreed to sell 14 acres of land at Merlin Park to the charity for a brand new centre, which would initially offer 26 beds and eventually expand to 50 spaces.
Local objectors have voiced opposition to the project amid environmental concerns.
At the meeting, several councillors voiced opposition to the proposed facility – some over the potential impact on the biodiversity of the site, while others did not wish to see recreational space removed from the City Development Plan.
Mayor Noel Larkin said Galway Hospice had searched extensively across the city for suitable sites – and refusing the Merlin Park location could set them back years.
Some councillors were unhappy with the size of the proposed development, with Councillors Michael Crowe and Declan McDonnell expressing doubt that even the reduced submission of 7 acres is necessary.
After sustained debate, the matter went to a vote on allowing for a 7 acre site for Galway Hospice at Merlin Park.
Chief Executive of Galway Hospice, Mary Nash says despite some concerns over the new facility, the charity will work on resolving it for everyone’s benefit.