A security hut outside the Department of Finance in Dublin cost over €1.4m to built, the Office of Public Works has said.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.
"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.'I don't accept it was a waste of taxpayers' money but I do accept it was very, very expensive'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.that civil servants employed at ‘principal officer’ level within the OPW were empowered to sign off on up to €500,000 worth of spending. Main image: A view of the security hut outside the Department of Finance in Dublin, 25-9-24. Image: PA Images / Alamy