It has come to light that the security pavilion next to the Department of Finance at the Government Buildings’ south gate entry cost more than €1.4 million, reports RTE.
The number was disclosed by OPW Chairman John Conlon during a questioning session at the Oireachtas Finance Committee over the price of the controversial bike shelter.
According to Mr. Conlon, considerable technical, electrical, and security factors were taken into account during the erection of the security pavilion, which came about after lengthy deliberation with the gardaí.
According to him, “there was a huge security element” and additional expenses for ventilation, CCTV, and subterranean parking were substantial, reports RTE.
It came to a total of €1.429 million.
He said that there were huge charges for CCTV, ventilation, and subterranean work. “There was a huge security element,” he stated.
When Green Party TD Steven Matthews questioned Mr. Conlon about who approved the expense, he replied that it would have been approved by the OPW Assistant Secretary rather than the Minister in charge, reports RTE.
Taoiseach Simon Harris stated that he “can’t know enough about the rationale as to why such a level of expenditure was required and what security specifications may or may not have been required” in reference to the security pavilion in New York.
“I think it’s very important that the OPW satisfies itself and most importantly satisfies the Oireachtas and the people of Ireland that appropriate safeguards are in place in ensuring that they get value for money in relation to such expenditure,” reports RTE.
“Of course, projects need to be carried out for security reasons from time to time. Security is extraordinarily important, but also making sure that happens within in the context of value for money is an absolute imperative,” he said, reports RTE.
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