Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hit back at claims from Sinn Féin that new cost overrun and delays claims the National Children’s Hospital development will cost tens of millions more.
The main opposition party’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald added that “this project has been mismanaged from the start.”
But Mr Varadkar dismissed her claims, slamming them as “an unhelpful distraction” and questioning “if what you’re informing me of is even accurate.”
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Sinn Féin health spokesman, David Cullinane, said he has sources that have informed him that 11 of the 22 operating theatres in the hospital will require major extra works that could cost the taxpayer “tens of millions” more euro.
The project has already run over by hundreds of millions of euro since its inception ten years ago and the latest estimates are for it to cost between €1.4billion and €1.7billion.
It was meant to be completed by March next year, but the latest developments mean this deadline is now in jeopardy too.
It is claimed that “major generic faults” will have to see the ceilings of the rooms ripped out to get at the air conditioning and other works that need upgrading.
The Irish Times reported similar claims yesterday as well that were quoted in the Dáil.
Mr Varadkar hit back at the claims.
He said during Leaders’ Questions: “Contrary to reports in some headlines this morning, work on the new children's hospital has not stopped or paused.
“I am advised that the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, which is the State body charged with building the new hospital, is undertaking a review relating to 11 of the 22 theatres.
“Theatres, as we all know, are critically important rooms.
“That is why it is important for the development board to check and correct any potential deviations from plans.
“There can be no suggestion that any additional work on these 11 theatres, should it even be needed, could have any effect on the completion or opening of the hospital.
“Any works, if needed, can be done in parallel.”
Ms McDonald added: “These matters were known to the board more than 12 months ago. The independent experts are independent and expert.
“They were appointed by Children's Health Ireland.
“They were very clear in May 2022, and again in November, that there were serious generic faults - not minor matters or snagging list issues.
“There were major faults, and yet the board did not act and this situation was allowed to drift. “Here we find ourselves now with a very serious situation that will no doubt be costly and no doubt will extend the delay.
“Can the Taoiseach give me a more fulsome and, frankly, a less ridiculous answer to the questions that I have put to him?”
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