National Children’s Hospital Developer Denies Allegations of ‘Ransoming’ the State
Construction company BAM has strongly rejected allegations made against it regarding the National Children’s Hospital project, asserting that these claims are unfounded and misleading.
In a statement released following a letter from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to Taoiseach Simon Harris and other senior government officials, BAM refuted accusations that its approach aims to “extract as much money from the Irish taxpayer as possible.” According to Donnelly, this mindset has contributed to both the under-resourcing of the project and ongoing delays in its completion.
Donnelly cited the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board’s (NPHDB) view that BAM is “resourcing the project at less than half of what is required,” further complicating the timeline for the hospital’s opening.
BAM’s Response to Allegations Over National Children’s Hospital Construction
BAM has described the allegations as “misleading, ill-informed, and incorrect,” particularly denying any suggestion that it is “holding the State to ransom.” The company stressed that these claims lack factual basis and are counterproductive to the timely completion of this essential project.
The firm acknowledged the existence of a complex construction dispute, indicating that there is significant disagreement about the primary causes of delays. However, BAM highlighted that an independent conciliator identified design changes initiated by the NPHDB as “by far the biggest factor” contributing to the increased costs and project delays. This independent assessment has led to an extension of the project’s official completion date by 16 months.
Minister Donnelly’s Concerns Regarding National Children’s Hospital
In his letter, Minister Donnelly outlined several of his apprehensions on the quality of work that was being offered by BAM. He pointed out that of the 3000 rooms which boasted of being complete, not even one had been done as per the required standards.
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Issues cited included incomplete fittings such as sinks and taps, insulation work that remained unfinished, and flooring not yet installed. Donnelly said that such subpar standards are unacceptable, especially for the largest health investment in the history of the State.
In response to this, BAM reaffirmed its commitment to the quality of construction work, explaining that handover and addressing minor irregularities are standard on such a vast scale. The company explained that rooms are never booked until the building or block is signed off in its entirety.
HSE’s Growing Concerns On National Children’s Hospital Construction
HSE Chief Executive Bernard Gloster has expressed “exceptional concern” regarding the ongoing delays with the multi-billion euro National Children’s Hospital project. He has called for clarity and a compliant completion schedule from BAM and the NPHDB, stating, “We do not have a compliant programme for completion, and that’s a significant concern for me.”
Political Reactions and Accountability Of BAM On National Children’s Hospital Matter
The entire National Children’s Hospital project has faced sharp criticism, with Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane, labelling it a “calamity of errors.” Cullinane pointed out that the project is now at least €1.5 billion over budget, attributing much of the dysfunction to decisions made by former health ministers and the current government.
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Similarly, Social Democrats Spokesperson on Health Róisín Shortall accused the government of attempting to shift blame onto BAM, saying that overseeing and delivering critical capital projects is the government’s responsibility. She pressed upon the fact that both the current and previous administrations have failed to fulfil this duty effectively.
As the situation unfolds further, these are steps taken in order to ensure the timely and efficient delivery of the National Children’s Hospital, which is a crucial health and childcare institution for children in the State of Ireland.
