Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 486 HSE capital projects were delivered – 409 in health and 77 in disability
More than one in every five euros spent on public health capital projects in the past six years went towards the costs of the new National Children’s Hospital, briefing notes reveal.
Between 2020 and 2025 a total of €1.337 billion was spent on the project, which has yet to open. Once complete, the hospital is expected to cost the State around €2.24 billion, which includes an overall capital budget of €1.88 billion.
The hospital accounts for more than 21 per cent of the overall spend on health capital projects in the last six years. According to a briefing note prepared by HSE Capital and Estates for the executive’s Audit and Risk Committee, an overall sum of €6.14 billion was spent on one-off health developments, with an additional €90 million going towards disability projects.
In total, €1.87 billion – 30 per cent of the capital budget – was spent on national developments. This includes €120 million already spent on the new National Maternity Hospital.
Set to be located on the campus of St Vincent’s Hospital in Elm Park, Dublin, the building will replace the hospital’s current Holles Street site. Once completed and fully operation, the project is projected to cost close to €2 billion – more than 10 times original estimates made ten years ago.
In a recent update, the HSE said that ‘work is ongoing’ to prepare for the hospital’s construction. “This includes road junction works, a new walkway, a wider ambulance entrance and a new builder’s compound in the consultants’ car park.
“Nearby spaces are also being prepared so the main contractor can begin work once contracts are awarded.
The HSE statement added: “We are continuing to work with the preferred bidders. The final business case is being reviewed and will be submitted to the Government for approval. This will include the final budget and timeline.” It is expected the hospital will open in the early 2030s.
A further €159 million has been spend on an ambulance replacement programme between 2020 and 2025, while €46.45 million went towards construction of the National Forensic Mental Health Hospital in Portane, Dublin, which opened in 2022. The full design, construction and fit-out of the hospital cost the State over €200 million.
In total, 486 major capital projects were delivered in this period – 409 in health and 77 in disability.
Among the regions, developments in HSE Dublin and North East saw the largest spend, with over €1 billion being put towards 88 projects.
In the West and North West, €774 million was spent on 100 projects, 28 of those relating to disability services – the most of any region. In the South West, €700 million went towards 68 completed developments.
Dublin and South East received €654 million for 90 projects, while Dublin and Midlands saw €627 million being spent on 84 initiatives.
The Mid West received the least amount of funding for capital projects, with €512 million going towards 49 completed developments.
Under the HSE’s 2026 Capital Plan, €1.3 billion is set to be spent on health infrastructure. This includes completion of the National Children’s Hospital, as well as the construction of five new surgical hubs.
One of the hubs, in North Dublin, has already opened, with a further centre in Cork due to begin treating patients this month. It is expected that a surgical hub in Galway will open this month, while hubs in Limerick and Waterford are set to be complete towards the end of this year.