Stephen Donnelly attends ‘topping out’ ceremony of Ronald McDonald House at new children’s hospital site

Eight months after construction started, the new Ronald McDonald House has reached its maximum height and a final concrete pour today signalled the completion of the roof on the building.

It is located across from the main entrance to the new children's hospital and will be operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.

He was joined by teams from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, Children's Health Ireland, the Health Service Executive, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland.

The delay in building the new national children's hospital and its and spiralling cost look set to become one of the issues of the election campaign as the minister faces criticism from Opposition parties.

When the Government took office, the cost of the new National's Children's Hospital was put at €1.4bn but it soared to €2.2bn.

The completion date shifted 14 times in over four years and the latest promise is that it will be finished in June next year.

The Ronald McDonald House will provide accommodation for 52 families every night who have children receiving treatment in the new children's hospital.

As well as bedrooms that will accommodate families of all sizes, the building will also include communal kitchen facilities where families can prepare meals, as well as shared common areas such as living rooms, playrooms, reading rooms, a laundry facilities and outdoor spaces.

It will be connected to the new children's hospital at basement level, providing direct access for families who are visiting their loved ones at any time of the day or night.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland will operate the new facility when it opens. It has operated The Ronald McDonald House at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin for 20 years, during which time more than 5,000 families from across the island of Ireland have availed of its services.

Currently, 20 families are accommodated at any one time in The Ronald McDonald House at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin.

The new Ronald McDonald House will more than double the accommodation available for families, with accommodation for 52 families, and enhanced communal areas.

Clancy Construction was appointed to design and build the new facility. Construction is expected to be complete by quarter three in 2025.

Mr Donnelly said: "It's heartening to know the new accommodation unit at Ronald McDonald House will provide comfort to families by offering a home away from home during challenging times.

"I'm pleased to see the building is continuing to progress towards its completion at today's topping out ceremony.

"Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland is a valued partner and support at CHI Crumlin for 20 years where over 5,000 families have benefitted from its services, and I am grateful they have agreed to extend this wonderful service at the new children's hospital."

Dr Jim Browne, Chair of Children's Health Ireland Board; said: "The opening of the new hospital will enable further positive transformation and innovation of paediatric healthcare in Ireland.

"While children and young people receive quality care, having their loved ones nearby is essential to better outcomes and happier children.

"This new Ronald McDonald building follows 20 years of commitment, compassion, and support for families with sick children in Children's Health Ireland and will provide a 'home away from home' for those who need it most."