The Government has done a u-turn over plans to relocate the Central Mental Hospital from Dundrum in Dublin to the proposed site at Thornton Hall on the northside of the city.

Minister of State at the Department of Health John Moloney told the Dail this evening that based on the cost benefit analysis carried out at the site, Thornton Hall is not large enough to accommodate the units required.

In May 2006 the Government announced that the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum Dublin would move to a new €29m facility at Thorton Hall on the Dublin Meath border.

The facility would be built close to the new Mountjoy prison.

Today however, Minister John Moloney indicated that Thornton Hall is not now big enough.

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O'Caolain said the incompetence of this government is unbelievable.

He said however today's news will be welcomed by many.

No alternative plans have been announced for the central mental hospital.