NewsTalk.com 15:20
The Cabinet has signed off on the construction of the new National Children's Hospital at a cost of €1.07bn.
BAM Ireland is expected to begin construction on the project on a site beside St James' Hospital site within weeks.
The spiralling cost of the project will make the building the most expensive of its kind anywhere in the world.
The price-tag – which has more than doubled since 2012 when it was expected to cost €404m – will also place the facility among the world’s top 20 most expensive buildings.
The Government has claimed that the original estimate did not include the full costs involved.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2021.
The plan will combine Temple Street Hospital, Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin and the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght on the one campus.
On his way into Cabinet this morning, the Health Minister Simon Harris refused to be drawn on the details of the cost - but insisted he will outline that it is value for money:
“This afternoon there will be a very detailed briefing for the media on the costs, outlining exactly the rationale behind the costs but I make absolutely no apology for making a very significant investment in the health care of children,” he said.
“Children account for about 25% of our population and I think that when people see the figures later, they will realise that the €650m cost that was envisaged previously related to a point in time; there are a number of significant additions that have been made.”
The location is still the subject of controversy, with the Connolly for Kids campaign insisting Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown would be a better option.
“This is a hospital that has been discussed for years and years and has yet to be built,” said Minister Harris.
“There has been a debate over sites, over locations, planning issues this is a massive project which is going to be the largest investment we have ever made in the health and welfare of our children.
He said the “extraordinarily exciting” project will have huge economic benefits – bringing about 1700 construction jobs to Dublin.