Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced that the main construction works are underway on the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH).

Essential enabling works has also begun at the St Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH) campus at Elm Park.

The first stage of the main construction works began in September 2023 and could take 18 months, whilst the enabling works, beginning this week, are expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Once a successful tenderer has been identified, the final business case will be updated with the results of the tender process and brought back to Government for approval to proceed to award the main works contracts.

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Speaking to Cabinet on the progress of the works, Minister Donnelly said:

"These enabling works will deliver new boilers and upgrades to electrical systems on the campus, as well as new buildings to accommodate a neurology ward, medical records, and a staff canteen. Those facilities are currently on the footprint of where the new NMH will be located. To save time and, ultimately money, we are doing these works at the same time as the public procurement process for the main works contractors who will deliver the new hospital.

"We are moving forward with this project as the most important investment in women's healthcare in Ireland in decades, in line with the National Maternity Strategy. I’ve said before that the quality of care delivered at the NMH at Holles Street is of the highest standard but is limited by its current facilities.

"The design of the new NMH is aligned with leading international standards which will result in improved patient and family experiences. Co-location with St Vincent’s will enable greater and more direct access to a wide range of critical care and specialist medical services, reducing risk for both the mother and their newborn baby."