Parking issues at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) have intensified in recent weeks, with patients and visitors now facing clamping in nearby retail areas due to a lack of spaces at UHW.
Mary Roche, a Social Democrats councillor, said the situation has escalated beyond residential areas and is now affecting businesses located close to the hospital.
Clamping highlights growing pressure
Councillor Roche said people who previously relied on overflow parking in nearby supermarkets such as Lidl and Aldi are now being clamped.
She said the issue reflects long-standing capacity problems at the hospital, where parking has remained limited despite increasing demand and referenced the cost of parking at the hospital also.
Roche said patients and staff often struggle to find spaces and may need to arrive up to an hour early to secure parking.
Residential areas also affected
The councillor said the impact of parking issues at UHW has already been felt for years in surrounding residential estates.
She pointed to areas such as Freshfields, Maypark Lane and Viewmount, where parked cars have restricted access and created safety concerns.
In one case, she said an ambulance could not access a property due to congestion, forcing responders to move a patient by chair.
Calls for hospital engagement
Roche said the hospital must take responsibility for addressing the situation, as parking demand continues to spill into neighbouring areas.
She has called on Waterford City and County Council to engage with hospital management to find solutions.
She said it is not acceptable for hospital-related parking to disrupt residential streets and local businesses.
Expansion adding to demand
The councillor noted that services at University Hospital Waterford are expanding, including new facilities such as the surgical hub and a mental health unit.
She said this growth will increase traffic and parking demand, making the situation more urgent.
Solutions under consideration
Roche said a multi-storey or underground car park could help address the problem, though she is unsure if such plans are in development.
She added that improved public transport could form part of the solution, particularly with more direct bus routes to the hospital.
However, she said many patients, especially those attending procedures, will continue to rely on cars due to mobility and comfort needs.
As pressure grows, parking issues at UHW remain a key concern for residents, patients and businesses alike, with calls mounting for a long-term solution.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
