Limerick vaccination centre move
Deputy O'Donnell asked about the planned move of the Limerick vaccination centre from the Radisson to the racecourse and requested clarification on transport. The Tánaiste said the move would happen and undertook to raise shuttle-bus concerns with the HSE.
I raise the issue of vaccination centres in Limerick. We currently have the Radisson vaccination centre. I got my Covid-19 vaccination there this morning. I compliment the phenomenal work being done by the HSE and the volunteer staff. It was very efficient. We have a very successful roll-out in Limerick at the moment. There is speculation that the centre will be moved to the Limerick Racecourse in Patrickswell from the Radisson. Can the Tánaiste confirm that that is to happen and when precisely it will happen?
Second, last week in the Dáil I got a commitment from the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, that they would look at putting a shuttle service on from Limerick city to the Radisson. I know there is a proposal in with Paul Reid. Can the Tánaiste confirm that shuttle will be up and running?
Comment on this
I remember when the vaccine programme started in January, the Deputy raised this issue and was of the view that the racecourse would be a better site for a vaccine centre than the Radisson Blu Hotel, because the latter is hard to access. I am advised that the vaccine centre will move out of the Radisson Blu Hotel, which will go back to being a hotel, and will be relocated to the Limerick Racecourse, which will be more accessible to people, particularly those who do not have access to a car. I do not know the arrangements in terms of a shuttle bus but I will take it up with the CEO of the HSE and see if it can be done. I do not have the date for the relocation of the centre from the Radisson Blu Hotel to the racecourse but I can confirm it is happening and an announcement will be made soon.