Review group to recommend Mater site for National Children's Hospital

An independent review group is expected to tell the Cabinet this morning that Dublin's Mater Hospital is the best site for the planned new National Children's Hospital.

It comes after Fine Gael last night said the debate over the location of the institution is over.

The independent panel was appointed by Health Minister James Reilly to evaluate the proposed site. Minister Reilly is expected to make a statement on the hospital tomorrow.

A formal planning application still has to be made for the development, but if given the green light, the Mater Children's Hospital should be open to patients in 2015.

Some €30m has already been spent on the project.