Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has stated that the Office of Public Works has to respond to enquiries over the estimated €335,000 cost of the bicycle shelter that was constructed at Leinster House last year, reports RTE.
The cost of the shed, according to Mr. Ryan, appears to be “incredibly expensive” for storing 18 bikes.
“I look forward to listening to the OPW and talking to the OPW as to why it was so expensive,” he stated.
“They [may] have their own justifications, but I have to admit that when I saw the cost, I was taken aback; we need to do things more affordably across the nation,” reports RTE.
The Taoiseach declared that he is unaware of any information on the bike shed.
“I do think it’s very important that public money is always carefully spent,” Simon Harris told RTÉ News during a press conference at Farmleigh House, adding that the issue is “matter for the Oireachtas”, reports RTE.
Mr. Ryan had already praised the shelter as an excellent example of public sector climate action, but it needed archaeological expertise to ensure that it would fit within the parliamentary complex.
According to an OPW cost breakdown, the primary building and installation project cost €322,282.
The cost of archaeological services came to €2,952, and the cost of quantity surveying and “contract administration services” came to €10,816.
Leinster House has expressed disapproval of the massive price, but the OPW claimed that due to the building’s sensitive position, a superior structure was required, reports RTE.
When asked if they had needed a copy of the project’s business case, the OPW said that none had.
In an information note, it said: “The work referred to was carried out … as part of the ongoing essential maintenance and upgrade works that are undertaken within the Leinster House Complex and other OPW-owned buildings. This is one of the core functions and responsibilities of OPW and to this end there is a continuous programme of essential fabric and upgrade works identified by the OPW team responsible for the complex, working with Oireachtas Facilities,” reports RTE.
In a statement to RTÉ’s News At One this afternoon, it said “The bicycle shelter is a new structure located within the setting of Leinster House, a protected structure of national importance. In response to the character of the historic setting a well-designed structure with high-quality materials and finish were required. The shelter was constructed in accordance with the specifications of the Part 9 Planning application and included materials of steel, glass and Irish granite,” reports RTE.
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