The imminent introduction of a barrier at the back gate of Merlin University Hospital to prevent the route from being used as a rat-run, should be postponed until the schools close this summer, a city councillor told the HSE Regional Health Forum this week.
The new barrier will only permit certain staff members to use the access road and has long been called for.
Cllr Shane Forde tole the Forum on Tuesday that the barriers inside the back gate will be in operation by May 2025 and the public are reminded that access to the hospital for patients and visitors remains via the front entrance only.
“The rear entrance to Merlin Park continues to be designated for staff use only and access will be controlled using the new barrier system and back gates.
Cllr Forde feels that in order to allow the new system to bed in, its introduction should be postponed until June 21, when all schools will have closed for the summer.
“Drivers will then have the summer to get used to it. After that, it will only be the staff at MUH who will be allowed to use it. To bring it in after June 21 will would be better,” he said.
