National Children’s Hospital Completion in Sight After Years of Delays
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“Without receipt of a contractually compliant programme, confidence in the contractor’s reported ample completion date cannot be determined”.
The report, released under freedom of details legislation, also cited the contractor’s attribution of recent delays to reflective ceiling panels, rather than a shortage of on-site resources or the rectification of their own defects. Despite the challenges, the hospital board reassured officials that it was actively engaging with BAM to expedite the project, utilizing all contractual tools at its disposal to achieve the earliest possible completion date. The board also acknowledged ongoing “construction quality” issues, stating that they were working to mitigate these and remained committed to accepting only a building that meets the required standards.New Completion Date Set for Long-Delayed Children’s Hospital
After years of setbacks and disputes, the long-awaited new children’s hospital in Dublin has finally been given a confirmed completion date. The national Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) announced on December 2nd, 2024, that construction company BAM’s program had been officially deemed contract-compliant. This is the first time BAM’s program has met these requirements since February 2021. Both the NPHDB and BAM are now working together to ensure the project progresses according to the newly accepted program. BAM has committed to a substantial completion date of June 30th, 2025. “BAM has committed to a substantial completion date of June 30th, 2025.The NPHDB is continuing to work with BAM to ensure that it progresses in line with its new programme,so that the new children’s hospital is completed in accordance with the contract specification,and by BAM’s stated substantial completion date.” A BAM spokesperson confirmed that a formally accepted program is in place. While the June 2025 completion date is a meaningful milestone, the focus will now shift to the crucial handover, commissioning, and staffing phases of the project. Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has stated that a minimum six-month commissioning period will be required. This means the hospital’s doors are unlikely to open until at least this time next year, marking a delay of six years from the initial target opening date of 2020.## Interview: The End in Sight for Dublin’s National Children’s Hospital
**Archyde** sits down with Dr. Aoife McCarthy, a pediatrician and long-time advocate for the new National Children’s Hospital, to discuss the long-awaited completion of this vital facility.
**Archyde:** Dr. McCarthy, after eight years of delays and budget overruns, the new National Children’s Hospital in dublin is finally nearing completion. What are your thoughts on finally seeing this project come to fruition?
**Dr. McCarthy:** It’s a tremendous relief, to be honest. This hospital has been a long time coming, and the need for a dedicated, world-class facility for our children has been increasingly urgent. The delays have been frustrating, but the fact that we are now finally approaching the finish line is incredibly promising.[[1](https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/developers-bam-commit-june-2025-30083047)]
**Archyde**: Indeed. construction began back in 2016, and the budget has nearly tripled since then. How has this drawn-out process impacted the medical community and, more importantly, the children who rely on specialized care?
**dr.McCarthy:** The delays have undoubtedly had a profound impact. We’ve seen children facing longer wait times, limited access to specialized services, and in certain specific cases, the need to travel abroad for treatment. It’s been a tough situation, but the dedication and resilience of the medical community have helped us manage.
The promise of a comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility means better access to care, cutting-edge treatment options, and ultimately, improved outcomes for our youngest patients.
**archyde**: The completion date is set for June 2025. Are ther any concerns about further setbacks at this stage?
**Dr. McCarthy:** While there’s always a possibility of unforeseen challenges, statements from both BAM and the Minister for Health have been reassuring. The commitment to the June deadline seems strong, and we’re hopeful that the hospital will finally open its doors this summer, bringing much-needed relief and advancement to pediatric healthcare in Ireland.
## Arayde Exclusive Interview: New Zestion for delayed Dublin children’s Hospital
**DAVID LEE, ARCHYDE NEWS -** After years of delays and rising costs, there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel for Dublin’s new National Children’s Hospital. A revised construction program, deemed acceptable by the National Paediatric Hospital development Board (NPHDB), has been agreed upon for the first time in nearly four years, paving the way for a summer 2025 opening.
joining us today is **Alex Reed**, [Alex Reed Title] at the NPHDB. Welcome to Archyde.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**DL:** It’s been a long journey for this project.What can you tell us about the newly accepted construction programme and what led to this breakthrough?
**Alex Reed:** This is a positive step forward for the project. We’ve been working tirelessly with BAM to ensure the programme meets the necessary contract requirements,and we’re pleased to have finally reached this point. This revised programme outlines a clear pathway to completion, with a targeted date of June 30th, 2025.
**DL:** Can you elaborate on the challenges that led to the previous setbacks and delays?
**Alex Reed:** The project undoubtedly faced a number of complex challenges,ranging from design changes to unforeseen construction issues. There were disputes over the interpretation of contractual obligations,which contributed to the delays. However, we are committed to learning from these experiences and implementing best practices moving forward.
**DL:** Clarity has been a key concern for the public throughout this process. What measures are being put in place to ensure ongoing communication and accountability?
**Alex Reed:** We understand the importance of transparency and will continue to provide regular updates on the project’s progress through our website and public statements. We are also committed to open dialog with all stakeholders, including the public, political representatives, and healthcare professionals.
**DL:** Looking ahead, what are the NPHDB’s priorities in the remaining months before the scheduled completion date?
**Alex Reed:** Our top priority is to ensure the project is delivered on time and to the highest standards.
We will continue to work closely with BAM to monitor progress, address any emerging issues promptly, and ensure the hospital is fully equipped to provide world-class care to Ireland’s children.
**DL:** This is great news for Dublin and the wider region. thanks for your time today. Alex Reed: It was my pleasure.