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National Children's Hospital

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2020

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Ceisteanna (681)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

681. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which construction will commence at the national children’s hospital; the reason for the delay in the recommencement of construction activity on site; the cost of the closure of the site due to Covid-19; if there are penalties in the context of costs accruing as a result of closure of the site; the reason for the continued closure of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware that construction work on the new children’s hospital site beside St. James’s Hospital stopped on 31 March 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I understand that since the commencement of the easing of restrictions on 18 of May, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has been engaging with the main contractor in relation to the earliest possible reopening of the site. I have been informed that some matters remain unresolved at this time and that construction has not recommenced.

I am anxious that the hospital be completed as quickly as possible on behalf of children, young people and their families. The NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.

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