Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval for the relocation of the National Maternity Hospital to the St Vincent’s University Hospital campus at Elm Park, Dublin.
The decision, approved by Cabinet today, allows the project to proceed to construction, with the HSE authorised to award the main construction contract to John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd and the mechanical and electrical works contract to Designer Group.
The Government has sanctioned a capital project budget of €1.861 billion, excluding VAT, to be funded through the National Development Plan.
Minister Canney said the decision represents a major step forward in delivering a modern maternity hospital for women, babies and families across Ireland.
“The National Maternity Hospital provides vital care to thousands of women and babies every year. While the standard of care at Holles Street is excellent, the building itself is ageing and no longer meets the needs of a modern maternity service.
“This investment will provide a new hospital with significantly greater capacity, improved facilities and access to specialist medical services on the St Vincent’s campus.”
The new hospital will be more than twice the size of the existing Holles Street facility, with approximately 54,000 square metres of space and capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 births annually.
Key improvements will include:
- 244 beds, an increase of 80, with all single ensuite rooms.
- Five operating theatres, compared with three currently.
- 50 neonatal cots, an increase of 43%.
- 24 delivery rooms, compared with 14 at present.
- Expanded gynaecology, day-case and specialist services.
The new hospital will also benefit from being located alongside St Vincent’s University Hospital, providing direct access to adult acute services, intensive care, diagnostics and specialist medical teams.
The project has undergone an extensive review of its costs, design, construction programme and delivery risks. Its procurement, governance and assurance arrangements have also been designed to incorporate lessons learned from previous major healthcare infrastructure projects, including the National Children’s Hospital.
Government approval will allow the HSE to sign contracts with John Sisk & Son in the coming weeks, with main construction scheduled to begin in early 2027 and completion expected in 2033.
