Despite the concerns of medical groups about patient safety, Tallaght hospital will open, as planned, on June 21st, the Minister for Health, Mr Cowen, has said.
Earlier this week, the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association said patients could be at risk, particularly because of staffing levels at the new hospital.
Speaking in his own constituency in Birr, Co Offaly, yesterday, where he announced a £9 million community nursing unit, Mr Cowen said many people appeared to be giving reasons "why the opening should not happen". But the Minister was adamant the project would stay on schedule.
"This £130 million hospital will open on June 21st. Everyone knows what the opening date is and what the situation is."
Commenting on reports that there were still 20 building projects "big and small" going on at the site in Tallaght just over a month before it opened, Mr Cowen said this was "in the nature of the commissioning of a hospital".
He was satisfied that the move by the three hospitals on that date - the Meath, the Adelaide and the National Children's Hospital - did not need to be delayed.
Responding to comments by the medical groups that patients, doctors and nurses were now sceptical about the project Mr Cowen said: "I don't believe people should lose confidence in what will be the best health facility in the country. Taxpayers have spent £130 million on this facility."
All arrangements had been made, he said, for the transfer to go ahead on Sunday, June 21st. "I'm not saying it will be running at 100 per cent, full belt, maximum capacity. Of course there will be pressures," he said.
Earlier, Mr Cowen announced the construction of a 90-bed community nursing unit, for older people, in Birr. He said it would involve a new concept in care concentrating on maximum rehabilitation, following the initial assessment, with the aim of a return, where possible to the patient's home, with community support.
A dementia service for people with the condition and their carers would be provided as well as rehabilitation services for day patients.
The unit would replace the existing 40-bed Welfare Home and the 30-bed District Hospital in the area.
Meanwhile, Mr Cowen was unable to give a commencement date for the HIV tribunal of inquiry.