Children's hospital could still be built on the Naas Road

A site on the Naas Road in Dublin is still available for the construction of the National Children's Hospital, according to the site's owner Noel Smyth.

The decision on the hospital, which is proposed to be built next to St James' Hospital in Dublin 8, was delayed until May because of complexities with the planning. The site near St  James' has been the focus of much derision due to the problems that it may cause for traffic in the area.

The site on the Naas Road is still available however, and developer Noel Smyth has stated that the hospital can be constructed there, 'if they want it'. Smyth originally offered the site 10 years ago.

Children's charity head Jonathan Irwin lambasted the plans to construct the hospital near St James', instead stating that the Naas Road site is the best option. Speaking of the problems with the St James' site, Smyth said: "Absent of going to the Naas Road, where I think they should go to, I think Blanchardstown is the next best bet."

Smyth said that he is likely to sell the site on if the hospital isn't developed there.