Councillors call for State control over new NMH

The new maternity hospital will be built in the grounds of St Vincent's Hospital

Dublin City Councillors have asked for State control to be made a planning condition for the new National Maternity Hospital.

The planning application for the development has gone straight to An Bord Pleanála as a strategic infrastructure development.

The new 244-bed hospital is to be built in the grounds of St Vincent's Hospital at an estimated cost of €300 million.

However, a healthcare group belonging to the Sisters of Charity will be given ownership of the new hospital.

Dublin City Council has given its backing to the plan in its observation to the planning board even though it exceeds height limits at its highest point.

The council said exceptions could be made under the development plan in particular where there were precedence in the area.

It pointed out that the existing hospital at St Vincent's breached the limits.

The report was discussed by city councillors who agreed that the report be amended to include a request that the State retain control over the new facility.

The city councillors also passed a motion backing the call made by Dáil Éireann that the new hospital should be in public ownership and have legal guaranteed independence from non-medical influence.

Councillors also agreed that parking be free for those with disability passes, and a motion was passed that parking should be free for families of "very sick" patients.