First planning hearing for new Children's Hospital to take place Friday

The first planning hearing for the new Children's Hospital will start this Friday at An Bord Pleanála.

3,700 new health jobs will be created at the new facility, to be built beside St James' Hospital in Dublin 8, with another 2,300 positions available during construction.

A final decision on the design of the project is expected by mid-February.

Independent Chair of the Community Oversight Group, Gordon Jeyes, has said they want the hospital to benefit local people and their community.

“We are building a world class facility here in the centre of Dublin,” said Jeyes.

“It (the Children's Hospital) is going to be a fantastic neighbour for this community.”