The executive director of BAM Ireland, the contractor involved in the construction of the new National Children's Hospital in Dublin, has said he can understand people's frustrations surrounding the delays the project has faced.
Alasdair Henderson also acknowledged that the delivery of the hospital is currently "a bit complex."
The most recent date given for the opening of the new children's hospital is this September, but a nine-month commissioning period will mean it will be at least June of next year before it receives its first patients.
The project has failed to meet its final deadline 15 times since 2020.
David Gunning, the Chief Officer of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), last month appeared before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee.
Mr Gunning told the committee that he did not have faith in BAM and that he estimates it is costing the State €2 million each month the project is delayed.
He said the contractor, BAM maintains the delays are caused by design change, something which he disputes.
Mr Henderson today provided a brief update on the project.
He was speaking in Co Louth at the site of another project for which BAM is the contractor, the Narrow Water Bridge.
The bridge will link Omeath in Co Louth with Warrenpoint on the other side of the border in Co Down.
The project is on track to be delivered on time by the end of 2027 and within budget.
Speaking about the new National Children's Hospital, Mr Henderson said that everybody working on the project is determined to get it finished as quickly as they possibly can.
He said: "We're 98% plus finished on that project. It's a really important project for the State, just like this one [the Narrow Water Bridge].
"Again, the benefits that are realised from that when you deliver those projects are huge.
"Yes, it's a bit complex right now. I think everybody understands that, but understand that when it's delivered, what it means for paediatric care across the island of Ireland is absolutely transforming," Mr Henderson added.
Mr Henderson was also asked if he could understand people's frustrations surrounding the delays the construction of the hospital has faced.
He replied: "I can understand that. I think, rest assured, that everybody working on that project, and every part of it, is determined to get the project finished just as quickly as we possibly can."
