Following an independent expert review it has been decided that the Mater site will be the location for the National Children’s Hospital. The review group, commissioned by the Minister for Health Dr. James Reilly TD, comprised of experts from hospitals worldwide.
The cost analysis carried out by the group found the cost of developing the hospital at the site matched the costs to build elsewhere.
In his announcement, the Minister stated that he was now “fully satisfied that the Mater site is the right location”.
Demonstrating his commitment to the project, he added “it is time for everyone to come together and deliver this children’s hospital in the shortest possible time”.
The overall review is set to be complete by September when final decisions will be taken by the Minister on proceeding with the project. He has urged that the three children’s hospitals in Dublin to work very closely together in the hope of forming a single governance structure. A planning application will now be sent to An Bord Pleanála by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.