Senior ministers are confident that some patients will be treated at the scandal-plagued National Children's Hospital (NCH) before the end of 2026, according to Cabinet sources. This optimism follows an announcement from the Department of Health that construction work on the facility is slated for completion by the end of August.
The €2.2 billion-plus hospital, which has faced significant delays and cost escalations, has missed 19 previous deadlines. The Department of Health stated that the builder, BAM Ireland, has provided program timelines indicating completion towards the end of the summer. However, the Department has not yet provided a firm opening date for patient services, emphasizing that BAM's program is still under review by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB).
"BAM’s programme includes current indicative timelines that point to completion towards the end of the summer," a Department spokesman said. "However, this remains subject to validation and testing by the independent Employer’s Representative [NPHDB], a process that takes a number of weeks to complete. This is nearing completion."
Senior ministers receive frequent updates on the project due to its substantial cost and political sensitivity. Briefings have indicated an end-of-summer construction delivery, with the potential for patient treatment to begin by December 2026. Significant political pressure is reportedly being applied to the NCH board and BAM to meet these timelines.
Despite assurances, some senior government sources have reportedly become aware of potential issues that could further delay the hospital's opening. Reports suggest problems with a floor and the installation of a telecommunications system. However, the Department of Health has categorically denied any new issues with the building, stating that early access has been granted for equipment installation on the first floor, which is progressing as planned.
BAM Ireland has frequently been in conflict with the government and the NPHDB, the body established in 2013 to oversee the hospital's design, construction, and equipping. Sources indicate that preparations are underway to attribute blame to the builders if the hospital does not become operational by the end of the year.
The initial budget for the NCH was €600 million, a figure that has since ballooned to over €2.2 billion, with expectations of further increases before all work is finalized.