The long-awaited National Children’s Hospital faces another delay, with its opening potentially postponed until 2026. This latest setback comes as a blow to families across Ireland who have been eagerly anticipating the state-of-the-art facility.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly recently received reports of further construction delays, casting doubt on the previously estimated completion date. Last September, the contractor BAM had projected substantial completion by October 29, 2024. However, this timeline now appears unrealistic.
The project has been plagued by cost overruns and delays since its inception, raising concerns about project management and oversight. The board of the hospital is expected to face tough questions when they appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee next week.
According to the Irish Examiner, this delay is likely to spark renewed debate about the project’s handling and its impact on pediatric healthcare in Ireland. As the nation waits for this crucial facility, parents and healthcare professionals alike are left wondering when the doors of the National Children’s Hospital will finally open.