Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 December 2019
210. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a compulsory purchase order of the lands at St. Vincent’s University Hospital has been considered in view of possible opposition to the new national maternity hospital by the Vatican; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51955/19]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to the development of a new maternity hospital on the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus at Elm Park. The buildings at Holles St. are no longer fit for purpose and therefore the new National Maternity Hospital must be moved forward to provide the necessary infrastructure to enable the delivery of a modern, safe, quality maternity service for women and infants.
I am satisfied that agreement can be reached in relation to progressing the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital to the St Vincent's campus without the need for a compulsory purchase order.
Engagement is ongoing between my Department, the HSE, St Vincent's University Hospital and the National Maternity Hospital in relation to the legal framework which will be put in place to protect the State's investment in the new hospital.
Tender documents for the new maternity hospital will not issue until such time as the legal framework is agreed.
