Controversial Government Buildings Security Hut Cost 28% Over Budget
A security hut at Government Buildings cost a staggering 28% more than initially estimated, raising eyebrows and concerns about public spending. Figures released to WLR under Freedom of Information (FOI) reveal the original budget cost in May 2022 was €1,138,904 (including VAT). However, TDs and Senators were informed last September that the final cost ballooned to €1.429 million, a difference of €291,096.
Government Officials React
Last year, Tánaiste Micheál Martin labelled the cost of the hut “ridiculous” and expressed shock at the figure. Meanwhile, John Conlon, head of the Office of Public Works (OPW), maintained that the hut’s cost was not excessive.
Public Scrutiny and FOI Request
The security hut issue was raised with OPW representatives during a September meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and Public Expenditure, where another controversial project – a €336,000 Leinster House bike shelter – was also under scrutiny. WLR obtained the Project Business Case Document, dated May 31st, 2022, through an FOI request. This document sheds further light on the project’s cost breakdown.
Cost Breakdown and Redacted Information
The document outlines estimated costs divided between building costs (€895,070 + VAT = €1,015,904) and Professional Fees (€100,000 + VAT = €123,000), with an additional 1% allocated for ‘ART’. The combined figures are significantly lower than the final cost of €1,429,000.
The document reveals the project was to be co-funded by the Department of Agriculture and the OPW, with each body contributing 50% of the overall cost. It also identifies Mullarkey Pedersen Architects and Lawler Consulting Engineers as the appointed consultants.
However, the document contains redacted sections, including lines under ‘Anticipated outcomes’ and ‘Approvals,’ raising questions about transparency. Specifically, the name of the approval authority and their affiliation are withheld.
Project Features and Purpose
The ‘anticipated outcomes’ section details how the hut, or pavilion as it’s referred to, would accommodate two officers with counters, lockers, and a tea station. It would also include heating, air conditioning, power, and data points for computers, security screens, and access control linked to the main control room in Government Buildings. The structure is designed to fulfill the security requirements outlined by An Garda Siochana.
Ministerial Correspondence Missing
An FOI query regarding correspondence between the OPW and then-Minister for OPW Patrick O’Donovan concerning the refurbishment and contracts related to the project yielded no results. OPW officials confirmed they found no records related to the Security Pavilion in the Minister’s files.
Commitment to Transparency
In response to the concerns raised, John Conlon committed to ensuring the Oireachtas Commission is fully informed about the costs of all elective projects in Leinster House in the future.
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