Cllr brands children’s hospital hold-up a ‘farce’

Independent Ireland councillor Shane P. O’Reilly revisited an agenda item dating back to February 2017 at the November meeting of Cavan County Council this week.

At that time, elected members were due to hear directly from Eilish Hardiman, then CEO of the Children’s Hospital Group, regarding plans for the new children’s hospital at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

Much has changed since. Ms Hardiman is no longer the group’s CEO, having last year taken up a new role as Strategic Programme Director within the children’s hospital group. The project’s cost has also ballooned - from an estimated €987 million to €2.2 billion - while its completion date has repeatedly slipped.

BAM, the main contractor, has now been assigned yet another target, with works expected to finish next year, adding to the long list of delays associated with Ireland’s most expensive public project.

The meeting with Cavan County Council nearly a decade ago promised much, even as councillors at the time voiced concerns about the chosen location.

“It’s an absolute farce of the highest order,” said Cllr O’Reilly of the current situation, claiming there had been 43 delays to date and counting.

He recalled that councillors had been “delighted” to receive a progress update from the CEO back then, and he asked that a similar opportunity be provided now, and proposed that the council write to the Children’s Hospital Group seeking direct engagement.

His motion was supported by Sinn Féin councillor Stiofán Conaty, who agreed with the concerns raised.