An agreement has been reached to form a new company for the new National Maternity Hospital.

The deal between the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) and St Vincent’s Hospital Group on the redevelopment of the NMH on the Elm Park campus has been welcomed by the Minister for Health, Simon Harris.

Both hospitals have now agreed to create a new company, the National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC, for the co-located hospitals.

Mr Harris said: “I am thrilled to be in a position today to launch the development of this vital project for the future of maternity services in this country. Delivering a world class state-of-the-art new National Maternity Hospital for women and infants has been a key priority for me since becoming Minister for Health.

“I want to warmly thank Nicky Kearns, Chair of the National Maternity Hospital and Jimmy Menton, Chair of the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group. I also wish to thank Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital and Michael Keane, CEO of St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

“The move to the Elm Park Campus will ensure the continuation of the ethos and tradition of the National Maternity Hospital, in a modern environment which meets best international standards.”

The agreement ensures that the project can proceed with a planning application to be submitted early in the New Year.