A security hut outside the Department of Finance in Dublin cost over €1.4m to build, the Office of Public Works has said.
The figure was revealed during questioning at the Oireachtas Finance Committee today.
Green Party TD Steven Matthews asked OPW Chairman John Conlon whether they were responsible for the hut which features a large copper-clad roof.
A view of the security hut outside the Department of Finance in Dublin, 25-9-24. Image: PA Images / AlamyMr Conlon outlined the expenditure on the project at the Department of Finance.
"The OPW has constructed and finalised the project in relation to the security pavillion on the south gate entrance to Government Buildings," he said.
"The full cost of that project was €1.429 million.
"I want to emphasise that that followed an extensive review of security in this campus by the Garda Síochána Technical Advisory Group."
Dept of Finance security hut cost €1.492 million, OPW chairman tells Committee
'There is a huge security element to this project' pic.twitter.com/6wJLIgxwZh
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) September 25, 2024
Mr Conlon said there were a lot of security elements to the project.
"Whilst it looks like and is fairly significant costs, there are very significant mechanical, electrical and security system costs in that.
"There was also a significant cost to provide a temporary structure while that building was taking place.
"There was significant underground works, there was significant ventilation, data, communications, CCTV ramping into a control centre, a significant substructure, significant re-routing of underground services.
"So there is a huge security element to this project".
'I don't accept it was a waste of taxpayers' money but I do accept it was very, very expensive'
OPW chairman says design and location were factors in the cost of the €336,000 bike shed pic.twitter.com/mjRu0AU2Q7
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) September 25, 2024
Representatives were also asked about the €336,000 bike shed for Leinster House.
The OPW admitted that the cost of the bike shed was "completely not acceptable" in terms of value for money.
Mr Conlon said that from now on management board members will be required to oversee and approve all works above €200,000.
It comes after it emerged yesterday that civil servants employed at ‘principal officer’ level within the OPW were empowered to sign off on up to €500,000 worth of spending.
