Probe after 36 computers stolen from Children's Hospital

Updated / Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026 15:19

Children's Heath Ireland has reported the theft of 36 computers from its unfinished National Children's Hospitalm over two days in July, to gardaí.

CHI said the PC units were stolen from the hospital's Early Access areas on 30 and 31 July.

A garda investigation is currently under way, it said.

It was replying to a parliamentary question from Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín.

CHI said the theft of the computers was identified by its ICT team and reported to gardaí at Kilmainham.

CHI said the site remains under the control of developer BAM until the hospital reaches substantial completion.

It said CHI "can only comment on incidents affecting property belonging to CHI or the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board".

BAM has been contacted for comment.

Deputy Tóibín said that "this is the latest debacle in the shambles that is the National Children's Hospital".

"Not only is it running years over time and millions over budget, now we have established there is a serious IT theft there, being investigated by gardaí," he said.

Mr Tóibín added that "if the hospital is unused, there is a greater chance that there will be more items stolen".

He added: "It's a data risk to have computers stolen. There are questions to be asked about oversight and security during this construction phase with no end date."