Hospital Services
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-05
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David Cullinane (SF), Waterford

The colocation plan unfortunately was an anchor around the hospital for far too long so I welcome the fact that anchor has now been removed. It is policy since 2015 but very little money has been spent on it and there was no real timeframe. An Coimisiún Pleanála's decision did mention colocation not as the main reason but certainly as one of the factors it took into account, so removing that obviously helps.
It is possible and necessary that we protect the built environment that is Parnell Street. Nobody, including the master of the hospital, disputes that the architectural heritage of that building is important. However, it is possible to have a planning application that can address some of those concerns but also provide world-class, first-class buildings and capacity for the staff who, as the Minister said, do a wonderful job in the Rotunda Hospital. I am satisfied that this can be achieved. It will require funding and support at every step of the way from Government.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-05/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:44+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-05