Government looking at measures to speed up delivery of new National Maternity Hospital

Stephen Donnelly said officials in his department expect the development of the hospital to take four and a half years from a tender process.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Mr Donnelly said the Government agreement to process with the relocation plan is an "important milestone" for maternity services in Ireland. Picture: Gareth Chaney / Collins Photos

The Government is looking at measures to speed up the delivery of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH), however, the facility will take "several" years to build.

The Cabinet has signed off on contentious plans to build the new facility on the same site as St Vincent's Hospital. While the building will be owned by the State, the land will be leased for 299 years.