Delay in new National Children’s Hospital highlights difficulties of preferred site

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe believes the decision by An Bord Pleanála to defer for a month a decision in relation to the new National Children’s Hospital reflects the difficulties associated with locating the €650 million building in the city centre.

Deputy Crowe, who in conjunction with his council colleagues submitted oral and written submissions on the issue, said that the complexities of the case means that it is important adequate time is taken to closely scrutinise the application.

He continued: “There are very well-founded concerns about the suitability of locating the new hospital on the site of the Mater Hospital. Access problems and the fact that the city centre location is too restrictive could cause serious difficulties in the future.

“Before submitting our objections we travelled on public and private transport from south west Dublin to the proposed site and this highlighted just how inaccessible the hospital location is.

“At 68 metres high, the new building would be taller than Liberty hall and will dominate a very historical part of the city. There are fears that the hospital will be out of character with the Georgian architecture in the area.

“The reason given by An Bord Pleanála for the delay is the “depth and complexity” of the case, which in my opinion succulently sums up just how problematic this site is. I am also concerned that difficulties arose in concluding this review because of the fact that there are now only four board members conducting this review after the contracts of other board members were not renewed. This illustrates the difficulties that are associated with cuts that have been imposed on the public sector.

“It is important, that a decision of this magnitude exams all of the issues associated with this site thoroughly even if this means delaying the decision.”