This article first appeared on Galway Bay FM

The back gate at Merlin Park will close to traffic from today on a permanent basis.

Barriers will now be installed at the gate off Merlin Lane to stop the practice of traffic rat-runs through the hospital campus.

Once the gates are operational in May, only staff, pedestrians and cyclists will have access.

For staff, the barrier will be operational Monday to Friday from 7am until 10am, and again from 4pm until 6.30pm.

For everyone else – including patients and visitors – the only access to Merlin Park will be the front entrance at Dublin Road.