Statement from the Lord Mayor of Dublin regarding Rotunda Hospital decision

The decision to overturn planning for the expansion of the Rotunda Hospital is deeply disappointing for the community, patients and hospital staff, the Lord Mayor of Dublin has said.

Councillor Ray McAdam said that the planned extension of the hospital is essential to provide vital care for critically ill patients and alternative solutions must be found.

“It is hugely disappointing to see today’s decision on the extension of the Rotunda Hospital. Planning permission for this essential upgrade was originally granted by Dublin City Council in July for a facility that would benefit critically ill women and children across Dublin.

Projects like the Rotunda critical care extension are not optional developments. They are essential national health infrastructure that will save lives.

What this case shows is that Ireland needs a faster, more streamlined planning pathway for critical healthcare projects. We cannot have maternity, emergency or intensive care facilities delayed for years in a system that was never designed for urgent national healthcare priorities.

Planning and community engagement must remain vital parts of the process, but for projects of critical public importance, decisions must be made quickly, clearly and within defined timelines.

Patient care has to come first, and our planning system needs to reflect that reality. This news is hugely disappointing for the people across our community who would have benefitted from the new facilities.

We must look at alternative solutions as to how we can ensure these vital services and facilities can still be provided,” concluded the Lord Mayor.

ENDS