Children's Hospital board member hopes for revised plan in six months

A member of the board at the National Children's Hospital hopes the project will only be delayed by six months.

An Bord Pleanala yesterday rejected an application for permission to build the facility at the Mater hospital site in Dublin.

It raised concerns about its potential to have a negative impact on the city skyline.

Health Minister Dr James Reilly has appointed a committee to advise the Government on whether to amend the plan, or choose a new site.

Businesswoman Norah Casey, a former nurse who sits on the hospital's board, has said she hoped the existing plan could be revised and re-submitted to the planning board.

"The fact is all the hard work (around the model of care) has been done. We're really at the point of talking about the bricks," she said.

"This isn't just about a site...This is about a change in the way children all over Ireland are cared for."