Nurses are calling for their free parking privileges to be extended past the end of the month.

Dublin City Council has said it will resume clamping HSE worker’s cars from August 31st.

Health workers have been able to park near hospitals and health centres for free since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in March, provided they displayed a valid ID.

The measure was introduced to support frontline workers at the height of the pandemic; however, the council said it is not sustainable anymore as more cars return to the road.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) spokesperson Mary rose Carroll said the decision is “very disappointing.”

“We know there is a huge amount of traffic on the street but the reality is the pandemic is not gone and that can be seen from the numbers rising at the moment,” she said.

“Our workers still need to attend work; they are still under extreme pressure and likely to be under extreme pressure.

“This has really, really assisted them; they have very much appreciated it and something has to be done about it.”

This afternoon, one patient told Newstalk the DCC must reverse its “disgraceful” decision.

“They are putting their lives on the line for this country and the council don’t even seem to realise that some people need a place to park to get to work,” he said.

“The fact that they are going to charge them to save the lives of the people they are trying to govern is an absolute disgrace.”

Ms Carroll said the organisation would be contacting both the council and the HSE to get the matter resolved.

“We are hoping that Dublin City Council will reconsider their position and we are also hoping that he HSE will make provisions for parking for their workers,” she said.

“After all, there is an onus and responsibility on them to come to work and to stay at work.”

HSE figures released last year showed that Irish hospitals were pulling in over €60,000 a day from parking charges.

Reporting from Kim Buckley