The CEO of the UL Hospitals Group says she's acutely aware of the frustration over delays in opening the New Emergency Department at Dooradoyle.
However, Colette Cowan insists she will not rush the project at the expense of patient safety.
The new target date for the opening of the Emergency Department is now May 2017 – when first announced, it was due to open this year, and as recently as this month officials insisted it was on track for next March
Now, Hospital authorities say builders won't be ready to hand over the building until then, after which a number of weeks will be required to fit it out for opening.
Head of the UL Hospital's Group insists it will open, and says she will ensure this is done safely.
This latest setback ensures another winter in the existing ED facility for the staff and patients who have endured long queues and chronic overcrowding there for years.
Ms Cowen says a plan is in place to try to manage numbers but admits they are facing a huge challenge.
