Fianna Fáil councillor Michael J Crowe has requested the HSE to consider moving their Walk-in Covid Test Centre from the grounds of NUIG to a suitable location in the city centre.
He said the NUIG location has served its purpose, at least for the time being, as most students are currently off campus with only a small amount on campus. He added that footfall in and around the campus is very low at this time of the year.
“As we have observed over the last few weeks, the city centre is attracting large amounts of people and I believe relocating the Walk-in Testing Centre somewhere closer to the city or in the heart of the city would see much more take up, hence test more people and therefore the benefit to Galway would be far greater.
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He said that some people have questioned his reasoning, such as asking where would people park. "We have to remember we have the Carnmore Test Centre for people who drive," he said. "This is a Walk-in Centre and car parking facilities should not be our highest priority. Walk-in centres need to be in areas of high footfall. This not just attracts in people who purposely set out to visit the site but also passers by who may not otherwise get tested. Location is key,” he added.
“A site in the city centre would be much more accessible for people who have no car. It would also be close to big transport hubs, shopping centres and businesses,” said Cllr Crowe.
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“This all results in very high daily footfall which is what is required for it to function at a decent rate. At the moment NUIG is a little out and can be difficult to get for many people who do not have a car and also for people who may have mobility challenges.
“I am hopeful that the HSE take on board my request and consider it as it would have a very positive effect on Galway. I have also asked the Chief Executive of Galway City Council to examine if there are any public buildings, currently vacant in the city, that would be suitable. I think there are, but before we can progress this the request for such a site will have to come directly from the HSE:’ concluded Cllr Crowe.
