The Sunday Times reporter Justine McCarthy reported that the Board of the National Children’s Hospital has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala seeking lesser coverage of water-sprinkler systems throughout the building and fire controls in the planned atrium.
Dublin Council granted a fire certificate subject to four conditions but the hospital board is concerned that compliance with the additional safety standard could add up to €2 million to the cost of building. The project is already expected to be the world’s most expensive children’s hospital at a cost €1.07billion, covering construction and fit out.
A spokeswoman for the hospital board said “The safety of children attending the new children’s buy ambien cheapest hospital and that of their parents and visitors, together with hospital staff and the wider community, is the primary concern for all those involved in this project.
“We are confident that the fire safety design measures we have proposed are both compliant with, and indeed exceed, current regulations and standards.
“The provision of fire sprinkler protection planned for the new children’s hospital will exceed the number that is set out within the fire safety regulation legislation.”
The Irish Times reported that “Informed sources said that under the current plans a sprinkler system will cover the basement, canteens in the concourse and the three top floors which contain accommodation areas for children after they are admitted.”
The Irish Times continued “Sources said Dublin City Council had sought the sprinkler system to be put in place across the facility including the middle four floors which will contain operating theatres, critical care units, radiology and inpatient and outpatient departments.”
Documents submitted by both the Hospital Board and Dublin Council will not be made public until Bord Pleanala announce its decision.
Meanwhile on Monday 23rd October 17 the New Children’s Hospital website announces that
“An Taoiseach and Minister for Health turn the first sod for the new Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centre on the ground of Connolly Hospital…” one of the two Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centres that will be attached to the hospital.
