Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
662. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the funding source of the €2 million estimated cost for the additional fire safety measures for the national children's hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45832/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra669. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if all fire safety regulations have been adhered to with respect to the national children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 669 together.
Everyone involved with this project holds the view that safety is paramount in relation to this project and ensuring that children, parents and staff operate within a safe environment. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for the construction of the new children’s hospital and associated outpatient and urgent care centres in Tallaght and Connolly, including fire safety certificate matters. The NPHDB was granted a fire certificate for the hospital in May 2017, with four conditions attached. These conditions required measures above and beyond what is stipulated in the Healthcare Design Standards and Building Regulations. The NPHDB had already included a wide array of measures in excess of what was required by the design standards and building regulations, including sprinklers on the top three floors, wet risers, additional fire lifts and additional fire escape stairs and, on that basis, it appealed the conditions to An Bord Pleanála. The NPHDB received the decision from An Bord Pleanála recently and will comply with the fire safety requirements associated with An Bord Pleanála's decision. The NPHDB has confirmed that they will meet with Dublin City Fire Services Department to agree how best to comply with the decision of An Bord Pleanála and the new conditions. A cost analysis of the implications of the ruling is currently underway.
