Children’s hospital faces 18th delay as builder misses latest completion deadline

A construction worker at the construction site of the new National Children's Hospital in Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The completion date of the new National Children’s Hospital is set to be delayed for the 18th time, the Oireachtas Health Committee has heard.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) said it met with Bam on Tuesday, where the contractor confirmed it will miss the April 30 completion date.

“This is obviously a huge disappointment, as Bam has already delayed this SC [substantial completion] date 18 times,” David Gunning said, head of the NPHDB.

Mr Gunning said the board has sought an updated completion date from the developer.

He said the NPHDB will focus on securing early access to areas of the hospital.

Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane said nobody ever believed the completion date would be met.

Mr Gunning told the committee that Bam needs to deliver 400 rooms each week.

“As of March 20, 3,726 of the 5,728 rooms have been offered by Bam to the design team to validate compliance with the contract standard,” Mr Gunning is due to say.

“As of March 20, 2,854 of the 5,728 rooms have been validated as meeting the contract standard."

Mr Gunning said Bam could face €40m in damages due to the delays to the project.

He said the NPHDB is “exercising all rights and remedies” to ensure the construction firm completes the project.