'Dangerous and unfair' situation outside Laois health centre
An appeal has been made to expand the small car park at Clonaslee Health Centre
Elderly and ill people attending a local health centre have to park on both sides of a busy road, because there are very few parking spaces at the clinic.
The situation in Clonaslee was described as “dangerous” and “totally unfair” at a council meeting, where appeals were made for the HSE and the county council to work together to provide safe parking at the site.
The proposal was made by Cllr Paddy Bracken, who said that 10,500 people attend Clonaslee Heath Centre annually, which is an average of 200 a week or 40 a day. There are also three GPs, a public health nurse, a practice nurse and clerical staff.
Cllr Bracken said:
He pointed out that there is plenty of space for additional parking within the confines of the health centre, with a further acre of adjacent ground.
At the September meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District, he asked the council to address “the serious parking and safety issues” at the health centre on the R422 Birr Road, Clonaslee, in conjunction with the HSE.
He said:
The proposal was supported by district cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus McDonald, who said there is further land adjacent to the health centre that could be bought to provide proper parking facilities.
Cllr McDonald commented:
In a written response, senior engineer James Dowling said there is no space available for on-street parking outside the health centre. He said:"Laois County Council can request the HSE to provide additional parking within their boundary."
