A further step towards completion of the Mater and Children's Hospital development was taken yesterday with the announcement that the planning process may proceed to stage four.
Making the announcement the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said it was "great news for all of us who are working to improve the level of patient service facilities on the north side of Dublin.
"The new Mater and Children's Hospital will incorporate a significantly extended and developed Mater and a purpose-built children's hospital to replace Temple Street Hospital."
He said the progression of the project was "further evidence of our commitment in Government to strengthen health infrastructure under the National Development Plan".
Stage four will see a panel of contractors employed to carry out enabling works and start planning other ancillary works.