The National Children's Hospital project could be delayed by a year or more if the Mater site is not chosen, according to a prominent member of the board charged with building the new facility.
Speaking on arrival at the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation annual conference, Norah Casey said it was difficult to know what the Government review would recommend.
She said she did not mind where the hospital was built, but admitted that a number of views regarding the best location have been expressed by some board members.
However, she said she would be concerned about a delay if a site other than the Mater was chosen.
The report of an independent review which will include the issue of location is due to go to the Cabinet towards the end of the month.
