Ex-lord mayor seeks faster progress on new children’s wing of CUH 

A call has been made for faster progress on the new children’s wing of Cork University Hospital (CUH).

An extension to the paediatric unit, which will provide 83 in-patient bedrooms, high-dependency units, operating theatres, and diagnostic facilities, was granted planning permission in 2022.

Former lord mayor Mick Finn told The Echo that construction needed to happen soon: “There were the usual welcomes for the announcement of funding and the start of the planning process five years ago, but nothing since... it baffles me why this is not already under construction.”

A HSE spokesperson told The Echo that the development “remains a top priority for HSE South West”.

“Since the project was announced five years ago, significant progress has been made. We now have a dedicated project team in place and they’re working on the final preparation stages.

“The hospital’s design is almost finished and is now going through the national review and approval process.

“Once complete, we are aiming to send out tender documents for the main construction phase by the end of 2025 and building work should commence in early 2026.

“Construction is expected to take around three years, followed by a period to fit out and test the facility before it opens.”

Mr Finn said that a multi-storey car park should also be considered for the CUH site.

The spokesperson said: “On the issue of parking, we understand the current difficulties at CUH, and we apologise. A multi-storey car park is part of the hospital’s future development plan, and this will provide spaces for both the public and staff.

“Currently, CUH provides several off-site park-and-ride services for staff, which increases the on-site parking available for the public.

“We’re also exploring options for additional off-site parking to ease pressure and improve access for everyone using the hospital.”