Coombe relocation to St James’s could cause delay in construction of new National Children’s Hospital
By Mary Dennehy
THE RE-LOCATION of the Coombe maternity hospital to St James’s campus has the potential to delay the construction of the new National Children’s 
Hospital, local campaigners have claimed.
In 2008, it was recommended that Dublin’s maternity hospitals should be co-located with adult acute services – resulting in proposals for the National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street to relocate to St Vincent’s, the Rotunda to The Mater and the Coombe to Tallaght Hospital.
News earlier this month that the Coombe is now to be relocated at St James’s alongside the new National Children’s Hospital has sparked anger among local hospital campaigners – and shock and upset among Tallaght Hospital staff.
Triona Murphy, Chair of the Tallaght Hospital Action Group (THAG), said: “I’m not surprised with this announcement and have been expecting it.
“Hints have been given that the Coombe would go to St James’s, despite it being promised to Tallaght.
“It’s a ridiculous decision which goes in the face of expert advice.”
She added: “The planning application for the Coombe’s new building will be lodged with the new children’s hospital as a joint application – which will leave the children’s hospital open to a significant risk of refused planning permission.
“Not only do they now have to get planning permission to squeeze one building onto the campus at St James’s, but two – and also take into consideration increased traffic levels in an already congested area.
“Tallaght was identified as the ideal location for the Coombe, but once again it is being left with less than what it was promised.”
THAG has told The Echo that it will be fighting the decision to relocate the Coombe at St James’s.
