Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2017
165. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the proposed new National Children’s Hospital will be able to cope with the existing surrounding gridlock; his further views on whether major emergencies can be dealt with in an appropriate manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3672/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning application to build the new children’s hospital on the St. James’s Campus included a traffic management and traffic mobility plan for the construction and operational phase which was endorsed by the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council. A 10-day oral hearing took place in December 2015 in which traffic evidence was presented in detail and allowed for cross questioning by those who had concerns. On 28 April 2016, An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the new children’s hospital on the campus shared with St. James’s Hospital and for satellite urgent care centres on the campuses of Tallaght and Connolly Hospital without change to the proposed traffic and mobility plan.
An Bord Pleanála's inspector's report, which includes assessment and recommendations in relation to traffic impact at construction and operational stages, can be found at www.pleanala.ie/documents/reports/PA0/RPA0043.pdf.
In relation to the specific query raised on management of major emergencies, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
