The National Children’s Hospital will open in 2024 despite claims by Sinn Féin, according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. 

The Taoiseach questioned figures presented by Sinn Féin, who claimed potential further works to a number of operating theatres could cost €50 million and delay the project. 

“The reality is that no works has been asked for so it’s unclear how they could possibly be costed or scheduled,” Mr Varadkar said. 

He said the development board and employee representatives have been seeking a programme from contractors regarding “the final 20%” of the project – but contractors have not been forthcoming. 

“[Sinn Féin’s claims are] an unhelpful distraction aimed at shifting the away focus from the responsibility of the contractors to others,” he said. 

Completion

The Taoiseach emphasised that the National Children’s Hospital will be completed and handed over by 2024. 

“As is the case with any hospital, it takes a number of months for it to be commissioned,” he said. “But we do anticipate that the first patients will be seen there at some point in 2024.” 

Sinn Féin claims it has been told there is major work to go ahead on the 11 operating theatres that will delay the project. 

The main contractor of the project, BAM, said its sole focus is on delivering the Children’s Hospital.

"We are continuing to prepare the programme update as required under the contract based on the scope as currently known," it said.

'Major generic problem'

Sinn Féin Deputy David Cullinane said it could take 12 months to remediate the works on the operating theatres. 

“"It may not delay the hospital by 12 months... but it will still add - if this is correct - substantial additional time on to the completion date,” he said. 

Deputy Cullinane said adjustments to the ceilings, gas pipes, sprinkler systems and electricity pipes will cause major work. 

"This is not a snagging problem - this is a major generic fault that requires very substantial work.”