COSTS for National Children's Hospital are set to grow by €10m after McDonald's were refused naming rights for the proposed family accommodation block.

The ever-growing bill for the new children's hospital has increased after the HSE rejected naming rights to charity linked to the fast-food chain, according to the Irish Times.

3 Costs for the National Children's Hospital have spiralled

Naming was rejected over fears it would send the wrong message with childhood obesity so prevalent in Ireland.

The size of the family accommodation will likely be reduced as the HSE continues discussions with the charity.

It is also unclear whether or not the facility will be ready to house families in time for the National Children's Hospital open.

The Ronald McDonald House Charity has initially proposed paying for the entire cost of the 53-unit premise.

3 McDonald's were rejected naming rights to family accommodation blocks Credit: PA:Press Association

However, following the refusal of naming rights the charity agreed to only partially fund the building - with the rest of the cost falling to the State.

Dr Donal O'Shea, who is the HSE leads for the management of obesity, said allowing the fast-food chain naming rights would send out the wrong message.

During a conference at Trinity College, he said: "If you take a virtual tour of the children’s hospital on the web there’s only one name you’ll see apart from National Children’s Hospital, it’s Ronald McDonald.

“We know the drivers of obesity and the patterns of consumption of fast food takeaway that McDonald’s need to grow their business is an unhealthy pattern of consumption.

3 Simon Harris has come under increasing pressure Credit: PA:Press Association

“They say, ‘look, our food isn’t bad’ and in isolation that is correct but the pattern of consumption they have to drive is bad.”

The revelation is the latest in a series of blows to the Government surrounding the spiralling costs of the hospital.

The costs to an estimated €1.7bn have angered the public and led to the setting up of an independent review to find out who was to blame.

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Last week Fianna Fail's deputy leader Dara Calleary said they raised questions over the Government’s claim it only became aware of the overspend in November.

The Minister for Health Simon Harris said he became aware of spiralling cost in August last year, however, was not given the figure until early November.

In a statement from the Ronald McDonald House Charity, they said they will continue to work with the HSE in funding the National Children's Hospital.