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National Children's Hospital Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Questions (653)

Niall Collins

Question:

653. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will present a detailed report on plans for a new national children's hospital on the St. James's Hospital site; if he is concerned at news that the planning process has been delayed; if he will give assurances on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16556/14]

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Written answers

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is responsible for this priority capital project, and is focused on delivering the new hospital on schedule to optimal design and value for money. The Development Board is currently in the final selection phase of the process leading to the appointment of the Design Team. Short-listed architectural teams have been announced (available at www.newchildrenshospital.ie) and tender documents issued on 24 March to these and all shortlisted bidders across all design team disciplines.

The Development Board had sought to have a design team appointed by April with the target of submitting planning permission in the autumn. However, the process of design team procurement is now expected to be completed in June. This reflects the need for very rigorous financial evaluation prior to finalising the shortlist. It also reflects a very robust and detailed approach to the preparation of the design tender documents in order to ensure that they build in value engineering, look at ways of delivering the project as quickly as possible, provide for a more collaborative approach and contain the required flexibility. Following appointment of the design team, design development will begin with the aim being to make a planning submission in February 2015. I am advised that overall the project remains on track to commence transition of services to the new children's hospital at the end of 2018.

I also announced in January that satellite centres of the main hospital would be built on the campuses of Tallaght and Connolly hospitals. Each will provide urgent care and outpatient care, improving access for children in the Greater Dublin Area to these services and are expected to be complete in mid-2016.

The Children's Hospital Group is focused on ensuring the operational integration of the three existing children's hospital services well in advance of their move to the new hospital. This is of critical importance in ensuring the new hospital functions effectively from the outset.

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