A disappointing planning decision for Ireland’s busiest maternity hospital – The Irish Times

Sir, – In upholding the appeal to planning permission for a critical care extension at the Rotunda Hospital (Ireland’s busiest maternity hospital), An Coimisiún Pleanála stated the proposed development did not represent “an overwhelming public benefit sufficient to justify the degree of heritage harm identified”(“Plan for €100m critical care extension at Rotunda maternity hospital blocked on appeal”, Business, February 13th).

As a former master of another Dublin maternity hospital, I would argue the opposite: the decision to block this development, which can (literally) deliver overwhelming public benefit cannot be justified because of the degree of (clinical) harm it may well cause.

Respectfully, it seems An Coimisiún Pleanála had the right words – but in the wrong order. – Yours, etc,

CHRIS FITZPATRICK,

Dublin 6.