New proposal for National Children's Hospital at Mater site

It is understood that Dublin's Mater Hospital site could once again be the preferred location for the National Children's Hospital, after the religious order which owns the hospital put forward a new proposal.

The Sisters of Mercy have given their support to a plan in which the original hospital building would be given to the State to use as teaching and research facilities for a new children's hospital.

Plans to develop the children's hospital at the site were refused by an Bord Pleanála in February, because of the impact the 16-floor building would have on the Dublin skyline.

The National Children's Hospital Development Committee will include the proposal in its submission to a review group, set up to recommend the final site.