More than €335,000 was spent on a new bicycle barn for Leinster House that can store eighteen cycles, reports Breaking News.
In order to ensure that it fit in at the legislative complex, the shelter—which was praised by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan as an excellent example of public sector climate action—even required archaeological assistance.
According to an Office of Public Works cost analysis, the primary building and installation project incurred €322,282 in expenses.
The cost of archaeological services came to €2,952, and the cost of quantity surveying and “contract administration services” came to €10,816, reports Breaking News.
Leinster House members are questioning the massive expense, but the Office of Public Works argued that the building’s sensitive position required a high-quality structure.
In an information note, they 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,” reports Breaking News.
“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 Breaking News.
When asked if they had needed a copy of the project’s business case, the OPW said that none had.
The Office of Public Works declined to give copies of the scoping materials requested for the project.
They stated that they could not be shared for “security reasons” since they were developed as part of a planning application, reports Breaking News.
A unique cantilevered canopy was incorporated into the stand’s construction in order to provide protection from the predominant northerly winds.
Some people feel that their bikes are too exposed to the weather because it isn’t completely covered.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik was revealed in July to have advocated for additional bike shelters at Leinster House, reports Breaking News.
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