SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has called for immediate and coordinated action from both the Department of Health and the Department for Infrastructure to address the ongoing lack of car parking at Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Area Hospital, warning that current capacity is failing patients, visitors, and frontline staff.
In a series of Assembly Questions, Mr. McNulty has asked the Minister of Health to provide a breakdown of the total number of car parking spaces available at both hospitals — specifically distinguishing between allocations for staff and for patients and visitors — and to outline what steps are being taken to increase parking availability on both sites.
“It’s clear that the current parking provision at Daisy Hill and Craigavon Hospitals is nowhere near adequate,” said Mr. McNulty. “We are seeing people missing appointments, frontline workers arriving late for shifts, and stress being added to already difficult hospital visits — all because they can’t find a place to park.”
Mr. McNulty also directed a question to the Minister for Infrastructure, urging a review of Newry’s controlled parking zone (CPZ) status. He is pressing for consideration of a temporary period of free on-street parking in the vicinity of Daisy Hill Hospital to alleviate pressure on patients and staff while long-term solutions are developed.
“The Department for Infrastructure must urgently assess the impact of the current parking restrictions in Newry city centre” he said. “A suspension of charges or time restrictions for on-street parking could provide much-needed relief in Newry while we work on expanding capacity.”
The SDLP MLA is calling for a joined-up response between both departments and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to ensure accessible, practical parking solutions are delivered without delay.
“This is about access to healthcare. It’s about dignity for patients and a safe, reliable working environment for NHS staff. Parking should never be a barrier to either.”
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CLANRYE NEWS 