The proposal of a bus corridor through Shantalla Neighbourhood Park is the major bone of contention for the Shantalla Residents' Association (SRA ), not a proposed helipad.
The statement from the SRA comes after Galway city councillors received a presentation last week at City Hall from the medical director of the National Ambulance Service, Professor Cathal O’Donnell, on a proposed helicopter landing and parking zone.
The proposed zone at UHG would be 3.5 acres in size and would facilitate simultaneous helicopter landings.
The presentation, which was for information purposes ahead of the consultation process with councillors, also proposed a 4G football pitch to be constructed as well as a bus corridor through the park.
However treasurer of the SRA, John McDonagh says residents are fearful that the positioning of the bus corridor will result in the loss of the entire park.
Mr McDonagh said; "The Galway City Council proposed that a bus corridor would go around the top of the park, running parallel to Seamus Quirke Road and into the back of the hospital as published in the press in 2016 under The Galway Transport Strategy. Why have they now changed this?
"There is a proposed football pitch but it is not clear who will control or benefit from this. We fear that the whole park is being taken by stealth and that the helipad is being used as a smokescreen to take all of the park.
"The green area is a very precious amenity for the residents in Shantalla. The residents use the park for sports' day, host our annual five-a-side tournament, and our family fun days. We are hoping to sit down with the council and get clarity. We are against the bus corridor and not the helipad. We are determine to protect our park that has been here for more than 70 years."
