The Finance Minister has said the stand-off that has halted construction on the €1.7bn National Children’s Hospital is “really frustrating and disappointing.”
The site has yet to reopen, seven weeks after COVID-19 restriction were lifted.
It is due to a dispute over who should foot the bill for the costs related closure and reopening of the site.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the board responsible for the project was involved in a legal process with the developer BAM.
He insisted that “getting the best possible outcome for the Irish taxpayer” is of paramount importance to the Government.
“The key thing now is that these issues are resolved and of course it is really frustrating and disappointing to see a project of this scale, a project that can make such a difference to sick children in a difficulty like this,” he said.
“But what is more important than my own personal feelings in relation to that is to support the board in their work.
“There is a legal process underway and the key thing now is a focus on the project, on children and getting best value for the taxpayer at a difficult moment.”
No work has been carried out at the site since March 31st and there are concerns the stoppage may already have cost the taxpayer an additional €30m.
You can listen back to Minister Donohoe’s interview here:
