Ongoing tensions between Shantalla residents and the HSE over the future of public parkland beside University Hospital Galway remain unresolved.

The City Council’s Director of Services for Operational Development, Patrick Greene, confirmed this month that a meeting planned for August between the HSE and local residents on proposals for a permanent helipad in the area did not go ahead.

The issue has fuelled significant local tensions, with Cllr John McDonagh (Lab) describing it as a “land grab”, in what has become a “chicken and egg” situation.

In 2013, Galway City Council transferred public land in Shantalla to the HSE for six months to facilitate a temporary helipad at UHG.

Twelve years later, the HSE is now seeking a permanent transfer for a full-scale heliport including two landing pads and direct access to the hospital.

This will require approval from Councillors, while residents have mobilised to oppose the move.

“The HSE did commit to meeting with residents in August,” confirmed Director of Services, Patrick Greene.

“However, the HSE need to establish their boundary and incorporate the travel element of the plan. At that point, we will know the extent of land that is left and then we will talk to residents.

“At the moment, I can’t give them answers. No one will move forward without a meeting with residents. It’s not that we are refusing to meet them, we are not through with the agreement ourselves internally.”

Cllr John McDonagh, who is from the area, told elected members there is “no trust with the HSE and the residents”.

Speaking after the council meeting, he described how it has turned into a case of the “chicken and the egg – who goes first? It seems like every six months there is a new suggestion for how the HSE will use the land,” he said.

“It’s a land grab. A lot of people use Shantalla Park, which was designated as a park ten years ago and it’s very biodiverse.

“We maintain all along that proper best practice is to have a helipad on the roof of the hospital, where patients can be transferred in minutes, rather than to have it outside.

“We are trying to get answers from the HSE. No engagement has happened so far. We have serious concerns. The Council can’t engage with residents until the HSE engages with the Council – a chicken and egg situation. It’s up to the Councillors to stand up for amenities and green spaces,” he said.

He has confirmed the item will stay on the agenda for the foreseeable future until the matter moves forward.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: The helicopter landing pad at UHG was originally meant to be temporary.