Calls for full costs review as Tanaiste Micheal Martin labels 1.4m security shelter 'ridiculous'

John Conlon disclosed during a finance committee meeting that the construction of a new security shelter at Merrion Street cost €1.429 million, sparking outrage among officials. He explained that significant expenses arose from mechanical, electrical, and security systems intrinsic to such infrastructure. This prompted calls for greater oversight and transparency regarding public spending, particularly as €336,000 was spent on a similar bike shelter at Leinster House. This situation raised critical questions about the necessity and justification for these escalating costs in public projects.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressed his disbelief at the high expense, stating, "I was shocked to hear that figure this morning. It's ridiculous. There's no need for that level of expenditure." He emphasized the necessity for a "fundamental review" of expenditures tied to such projects, ensuring public spending is appropriately scrutinized, particularly when numerous projects are allocated more cost-effectively under budget.

Mr. Conlon sought to clarify that the increased costs relate to specific security system needs, declaring, "While it looks like and is a fairly significant cost, there are very significant mechanical, electrical and security system costs in that." He defended the expenditure as a response to thorough security evaluations by An Garda Síochána, underscoring the importance of creating secure environments amid rising security concerns.

In addressing the concept of establishing a dedicated infrastructure department for public projects, Mr. Martin warned it could lead to increased costs, stating, "my concern with that proposal is that it would actually lead to a greater delay and even more costly expenditure over time." He highlighted the effectiveness of existing expertise in the Department of Education, noting its longstanding success in constructing schools efficiently without such an additional layer.

Read at Irish Independent