Mater Private Network plans major hospital expansion in Dublin

The Mater Private Network has lodged multimillion-euro plans to deliver a five-floor extension at the Mater Private Hospital on Eccles Street and Dorset Street Lower in Dublin 7, marking a significant capacity investment at its flagship site.

The Irish Times reported that the proposed development is expected to support an additional 190 staff and expand clinical capability across emergency, surgical and intensive care services. Planning documentation describes the Mater Private Network as the country’s leading provider of high-acuity complex care, employing 2,500 people and working with 300 consultants nationwide.

The network carries out more than 320,000 tests, treatments and procedures annually, with the majority delivered at the Eccles Street hospital. 

The latest planning application submitted to Dublin City Council seeks approval for expanded emergency department and urgent care facilities, new operating theatres, a new laboratory, additional ambulatory medical services and a new intensive care unit.

The scheme also proposes a change of use for 106, 107 and 108 Dorset Street Lower, converting the buildings from vacant residential and consulting use to full hospital use. 

The development includes a net increase of 22 in-patient beds, alongside 16 re-provided bed spaces, bringing the total to 38 in-patient beds within the new build.

Síne Kelly, associate director at Tom Phillips + Associates, said in a planning report that the extension will provide additional capacity and ease pressure on the public healthcare system and reduce waiting times at the Mater Private Hospital.

Kelly added that the organisation’s strategic plan is to consolidate high-acuity services at the Eccles Street campus, while relocating lower-acuity services to satellite locations. 

Follow the full details to see what the expansion means for Dublin’s hospital capacity.