Advertisement

Extra €300m expected to be added to cost of Children's Hospital

An extra €300m is now expected to be added to the cost of the new National Children's H...
Newstalk
Newstalk

18.24 4 Feb 2017


Share this article


Extra €300m expected to be add...

Extra €300m expected to be added to cost of Children's Hospital

Newstalk
Newstalk

18.24 4 Feb 2017


Share this article


An extra €300m is now expected to be added to the cost of the new National Children's Hospital.

It's reported that one of the country's largest building contractors BAM Ireland have been awarded the contract to build the hospital in Dublin - at a cost of almost €1bn

Fianna Fáil has criticised the HSE and the Department of Health - saying lack of leadership has led to the cost being more than expected. 

Advertisement

Labour spokesperson on health Alan Kelly TD has called on the Minister Simon Harris to urgently explain today how the costs for the children's hospital have spiralled out of control by over 50% when inflation has been practically zero.

Deputy Alan Kelly 

"Minister Harris needs to explain how in the space of 2 years the projected costs of the Children's Hospital have increased by almost €350 million to a billion euro.

"This will have serious impact on other capital projects including the National Maternity Hospital, new Emergency Departments and increasing bed capacity across the country.

"Answers are needed on when the Minister knew about the increased costs and what planning has been done to address it.

"It's incredible that the Department and the HSE are accepting cost increases of over 50% when inflation is practically zero."

Mr Kelly said "He needs to provide answers to the following questions today:

  • Will he be seeking any of the extra €2.6 billion in capital funding that will be made available?
  • Are smaller capital projects like primary care centres being delayed and sacrificed to cover this cost overrun?"
  • Has the construction of a new national maternity hospital been delayed and if so by how long?
  • "How did the HSE and the Department of Health get their costing so wrong?
  • Has provision also been made for the expected €200 million cost of IT and equipment?
  • Are there other surprises in the HSE current and capital budget we don't know of?

Senator Katherine Ardagh says that the project needs to get moving.

 


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular