‘As a result of persistent quality shortcomings, 100 per cent of rooms and other key elements are now being inspected’: Problems at new children’s hospital keep mounting – but this one alarming failure WILL see its finish date pushed back AGAIN
Ireland’s National Children’s Hospital is facing further delays after serious problems were identified with its fire-safety compliance and other construction work. The €2.24 billion project cannot open until it receives final fire-certification approval, and officials are increasingly concerned that it will miss its latest opening deadline.
The 380-bed hospital was originally expected to cost €650 million and open in 2022, but costs and delays have repeatedly increased. The development board says it has expanded inspections to five times the usual level because of substandard work, while the HSE is due to face questioning from the Public Accounts Committee. Staff morale is reportedly poor, with some employees leaving the project.
- Fire-safety approval remains outstanding.
- The hospital faces another opening delay.
- Costs have risen to at least €2.24 billion.