Almost £2 million has been collected in car parking charges at Daisy Hill and Craigavon hospitals over the last three years.
The figure was obtained by MLA Justin McNulty who says he deals with complaints about parking at Daisy Hill on a regular basis.
Parking at both hospitals is a contentious issue which the Southern Trust have tried to address in recent times.
At Craigavon, an extra 210 new car parking places have been added and 85 additional car parking spaces required for our very busiest times have been identified, subject to funding.
“Car parking charges at the two acute hospital sites in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area have raised a staggering £1.95 million over the last three years,” explained Mr McNulty.
“This is a significant amount, and whilst money has been reinvested in maintenance and repairs of the carparks, I want to see further provision of parking in and around the Daisy Hill site in Newry in particular.”
He added: “Parking or the lack of it at Daisy Hill is a major issue, for staff, patients and local families alike.
“I am constantly being contacted by people complaining about the lack of parking around the Daisy Hill site, or about blocked or obstructed driveways, and whilst it’s a difficult issue, it needs addressed.
“We have seen substantial investment in parking facilities over recent years at Craigavon however the same cannot be said at Daisy Hill.
“The money raised through parking charges is a source of income that can be directed at investing in more parking provision in Newry and I want to see the Trust be imaginative with the options they could consider and that includes working with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council who are their nearest neighbour on Monaghan Row.”
A total of £1.5m was obtained in Craigavon over that period, while £450,000 was generated at Daisy Hill.
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