Peadar Tóibín, the leader of Aontú, has raised concerns in the Dáil about the government’s approach to the construction of the national maternity hospital, warning that it could face similar financial issues as those seen with the national children’s hospital. The new maternity hospital, set to be established at St Vincent’s hospital in southern Dublin, appears to be being rushed into the tender stage before the proper design phases are complete, according to Tóibín. He claims to hold the bill of quantities – a document detailing the materials, labour and parts required – suggesting that the planning for this project may be as inadequately prepared as that for the children’s hospital.
Tóibín voiced further concerns about the limited competition for the project, citing only two companies bidding for the mechanical workings of the maternity hospital. He urged for a re-evaluation of the tender processes in light of the mishaps faced by the national children’s hospital, criticising the government for wasting taxpayer’s money.
However, the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, argued that the issues surrounding the maternity hospital are primarily political; delays in launching the project have caused prices to soar. He argued against politicians getting involved in every detail of hospital construction, despite acknowledging the flaws in the building of the national children’s hospital as revealed in a PwC report.
In a recent debate at the Seanad, Independent Senator Victor Boyhan has voiced his concern over the members of the Oireachtas Commission blaming the OPW for the expenses related to the bicycle shed. He stressed that members should have been aware of it as the construction was happening right in front of them for the past nine months. He pointed out, “We were cognisant of what was happening”.
Senator Boyhan emphasised that it’s far too easy to come back after the summer break and point fingers at the OPW and others. Instead, he argued, politicians should be accountable for the matters happening on their premise.
The deputy leader of the Seanad, Seán Kyne, responded to Mr Boyhan by saying, “While we were all witnessing the bike shed’s construction, no one, not even you, questioned its expense. We all presumed the costs would be appropriate, and none of us speculated on the amount it would reach.”