Colette Connolly

The HSE has denied an allegation by Councillor Colette Connolly that it plans to sell off land at Merlin Park Hospital in order to raise funds.

In a statement last week, Cllr Connolly said she suspected that Minister Harney intended to "sell off surplus assets ie lands in Merlin" in order "to maximise its real estate value instead of providing a first class hospital and respite centre on these lands".

The Labour Party councillor also condemned the verbal agreement between UHG and Galway City Council, which allows the hospital to apply for planning permission for a car park on land adjacent to the Shantalla Community pitch. She accused the HSE of over-developing UHG at the expense of Merlin Park, saying, "The hospital development should have taken place on the Merlin Park site and all future development should be on this location."

However, a spokesperson for the HSE claimed that Merlin Park would continue to be developed, saying: "Merlin Park Hospital will develop as an elective hospital with planned interventions, rehabilitations, dialysis and outpatient clinics."

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