Ireland’s plans for a new National Maternity Hospital have reached a major milestone, with Government approval clearing the way for construction at St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus in Elm Park, Dublin.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed that John Sisk & Son will serve as main contractor, while Designer Group has been appointed as the reserved specialist contractor for mechanical and electrical works. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with completion scheduled for 2033.
National Maternity Hospital project moves towards construction
The approval follows a detailed procurement process and a Pre-Construction Services Agreement involving the HSE and preferred tenderers. This preparatory phase reviewed and validated the construction programme, with the aim of improving certainty around the project’s timing and cost before contracts are signed.
Enabling and preliminary works at the Elm Park campus are now almost complete. The new facility will be located beside the acute, critical care and specialist services of St Vincent’s University Hospital, allowing closer coordination between maternity, neonatal and complex medical care.
Services planned for the new facility
The National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park will provide maternity, neonatal and advanced women’s healthcare services for Dublin and the South East. It will also operate as a national tertiary referral centre for complex cases referred from maternity units and hospitals across Ireland.
Planned specialist services include:
- Neonatal intensive care for babies requiring advanced treatment
- Gynaecological and ambulatory care
- Regional fertility and endometriosis services
- A major colposcopy service supported by the HSE National Screening Service
- Specialist care for complex pregnancies and reproductive health needs
The co-location model is intended to give women and newborn babies faster access to specialist support when clinically required.
Capacity pressures underline need for modern maternity care
The HSE said more than 7,000 babies were born at the National Maternity Hospital in 2025. During the same year, the hospital recorded over 128,000 outpatient attendances and cared for more than 1,300 babies in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Health officials say the existing hospital continues to deliver high-quality care despite limited beds, ageing infrastructure and restricted facilities. The new purpose-built hospital is expected to provide additional space, improved privacy and modern clinical environments for patients and staff.
The National Maternity Hospital at Holles Street will continue operating while the Elm Park development progresses, ensuring services remain available throughout the transition.
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What happens next?
Following the Government decision, the HSE can proceed towards signing the construction contract and formally advancing the main works. St Vincent’s Healthcare Group has been preparing the campus while maintaining existing patient services.
The project involves the HSE, the National Maternity Hospital, St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, the Department of Health and construction partners. Its delivery will be closely watched as Ireland seeks to expand healthcare capacity and strengthen specialist services for women and babies.
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National Maternity Hospital: key takeaway
Government approval and the appointment of construction partners mark a significant step towards delivering the new National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park. With construction planned for 2027 and completion targeted for 2033, the project aims to create a modern national centre for maternity, neonatal and women’s healthcare while improving access to specialist services.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE