Over the past five years, the HSE has paid out €1.7m to private bus companies to operate the shuttle service that brings patients and staff between University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital.
In 2020, €307,247 was paid out; In 2021, €307,248 ; In 2022, €348,484; In 2023, €368,545; In 2024 (to August ); €242,229 and after August, €143,650.
The first five figures were paid to City Direct Bus for providing the service up until last August. The last figure was paid to EKT Ltd who were awarded the contract on August 1, last year.
The Galway University Hospitals shuttle bus service is available for use by HSE staff and patients who have appointments at University Hospital Galway or Merlin Park University Hospital.
EKT LTD are the current provider until reviewed again on the 1st August 2026.
The service has become busier with the transit of staff between the two hospitals and with the opening of the Outpatients Departments at Merlin Park University Hospital.
