The value of claims lodged by the developer of the National Children's Hospital in Dublin has jumped by €110 million since January.
BAM had 1,875 claims, to the value of €646m, at the beginning of the year but this increased to 2,175 claims by the end of June - valued at €756m.
The statistics are contained in the opening statement of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, which is due before the Oireachtas Health Committee this Wednesday.
The board strongly criticises BAM saying it is "unacceptable" that the developer has not issued a Contract Compliant Programme or provided progress reports for the months of March, April, May and June 2023.
The board's Chief Officer, David Gunning, says in the statement: "I would urge BAM to consider its behaviour and overall approach to delivering this project. The kind of behaviour that has been experienced simply can't continue."
He warns: "The biggest driver of additional cost is delay. As I have outlined above, the project is beset with delays and unless the behaviour of BAM is to change, we may suffer further delays into the period ahead."
The statement says that two expert teams are examining the position of four ventilation grilles in 11 of the 22 operating theatres.
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson David Cullinane said: "It is clear that what we are seeing here are more claims, more delays, more costs and deteriorating relationships between the board and BAM.
"There is a responsibility on all involved to resolve outstanding issues. There is still no certainty on a completion date and costs are likely to rise."
He added: "Two expert groups are now examining the major genetic faults in 11 of the operating theatres.
"The minister needs to take a much more hands on approach. We need this hospital completed quickly and an end to the chaos resulting from delays and cost overruns."
