New public consultation dates for UHG development announced
The HSE has announced additional public consultation dates this week on the development plans for University Hospital Galway (UHG), to be held in conjunction with Galway City Council.
The move follows a meeting with Galway City councillors last Thursday, July 2, after which the HSE confirmed two new consultation sessions at St Joseph’s Community Centre in Shantalla.
The sessions will take place on Thursday, July 9, from 1.30pm to 6.30pm, and on Friday, July 10, from 1.30pm to 5pm.
Members of the public are being invited to attend and provide feedback or raise queries regarding the Development Control Plan (DCP) for University Hospital Galway.
Following the announcement, local residents’ associations have organised a separate, emergency public meeting for Wednesday, July 8. The meeting is intended to gather community views and coordinate feedback to be presented collectively to the HSE.
The plan includes proposals for 300 additional inpatient beds, a new cancer care centre, an expanded Emergency Department and a permanent helipad on lands at Shantalla Park.
Last week, the HSE postponed the two original public consultation dates after Galway City councillors expressed concerns over the short notice given to the public.
Councillor Eibhlín Seoighthe and Councillor John McDonagh argued that the short notice did not allow for “meaningful” public consultation.
The councillors also requested that Galway City Council be kept informed of the latest developments relating to the DCP, stating councillor’s had not been provided with an updated version since the original plan was released in 2025.
Galway City Councillor John McDonagh told the Irish Independent he is opposed to the joint consultation process, having previously been informed that the HSE and Galway City Council would conduct separate consultations.
Location of the temporary Shantalla helipad, still in use.
“The HSE should give their view on what they’re proposing and offering, and the council should come back and tell the people of the area what they are proposing and what they’re offered,” he said.
A primary issue raised is the sale of Shantalla Park land for a permanent helipad, which Cllr McDonagh said would be a loss of vital green space.
“From the point of view of the locals and the residents, they believe this is their park and that alternatives really need to be explored. At this stage, we’re wondering why is this being rushed so fast?”
The Irish Independent understands that the proposed sale of 3.68 hectares of land at Shantalla Park by Galway City Council to the HSE for the helipad development is due to be brought before councillors for a vote at a plenary meeting on Monday, July 13.
The HSE has agreed to pay approximately €690,000 for the land required for the helipad. It has also agreed to provide nearly €1.2m in capital funding towards the future development of the remaining acres of the park.
Should councillors approve the sale, the HSE will be in a position to submit a planning application for the proposed development. However, Cllr McDonagh said there has been no separate public consultation on the land sale itself, outside of the HSE’s consultation process on the wider DCP.
The Irish Independent reached out to Galway City Council and the HSE West Northwest for comment.