Kids' hospital hope for Xmas '26

16 deadlines missed but the end is in sight

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent

IT'S hoped patients will be in the new National Children's Hospital by Christmas 2026, the Health Minister has said.

The long-awaited hospital was originally due to be completed in 2022, but has failed to meet its deadline 16 times.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she hopes by next Christmas children will be seen in the hospital, but could not give an exact date.

She said dates for opening will be down to construction company BAM, as they have moved completion dates back on numerous occasions.