The Government has come in for strong criticism this morning after latest figures have revealed that the cost of building the new National Children’s Hospital has more than doubled.
The spiralling costs on the much needed facility has promoted a number of TDs to voice their concerns over the project which is scheduled to be completed by 2020.
One of those who have slated the extravagant cost which is now at €1bn, is Independent TD Mattie McGrath who labelled the project as a “runaway train”. Mr McGrath said the expatiated cost is staggering given that it does not cover the basic necessities including a full fit out and IT equipment.
The Independent TD told the Dáil that the €500 million over-run from the initial €480m could have dealt with the public pay problems and covered the cost of the Garda pay claims 12 times over, dealt with the concerns of childcare workers, and it could have funded many crisis points in the health service, including Clonmel hospital in south Tipperary.
Mr McGrath further explained: “Whilst we all accept that the original budgets are liable to be exceeded, this is phenomenal and staggering, and must be reined in”, before claiming that “this is the kind of runaway cost that threatens to deliver a disastrously located hospital that will put children’s lives in danger”.
“I do not say that lightly. But it also substantially increases the likelihood of future costs to other areas of Government spending.”