Dear Sir,
Observing the detailed portrayal of the covert operations taking place for security and communications at the regal security cabin at the Government Headquarters had an impactful impression on me. This was further elevated by the photograph taken by Nick Bradshaw that accompanied the news titled ‘Martin astounded by unwarranted security cabin expenditure of €1.4m on September 26th. What surprised me most was that the cabin, which costs €1.4 million, accords a centerpiece to a seemingly anachronistic fan from the 1970s, while air conditioning appears to be a luxury yet unaffordable.
It is indeed mystifying whether the financial estimates for the establishment of the new children’s hospital has a security cabin and a bicycle shed factored in, and if not, will it present an unforeseen cost overrun. Looking back at times of strict social distancing, I wonder how much inflation would the Leinster House bicycle shed have undergone, which could have rendered us bankrupt.
As we swiftly transition from a bicycle shed costing €336,000 to an astonishingly costly hut priced at €1.4m within weeks, I am reminded of Myles Myles na gCopaleen’s cliché-filled catechism. Cost overruns, as always, are extremely deplorable, and most often than not, it is ‘lessons’ that surface out of these wasteful extravagances. It poses a question as to whether there were specific requirements that OPW had in mind for the hut, or just like the national children’s hospital, was it being built haphazardly, without full cognizance of its design or the inevitable mounting expense?
Best Regards,
JOHN NAUGHTON, Leopardstown, Dublin 18.
ULTAN Ó BROIN, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
DAVID CURRAN, Knocknacarra, Galway.
EILEEN MAHER, Murrintown, Co Wexford.
Could it be possible that the next step would be offering e-bikes for TDs and members of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee to ease their journey from the shed to the hut? That’s one view from London’s Coulsdon. Rather intriguingly, another Dubliner opines that £3,000 spent on archaeological consultancy for a bike shelter might seem extravagant, but may have valuable insights derived from history. He humorously adds – what’s the point of having Newgrange when your bicycle can only be found on one particular day of the year?
Then there’s another perspective from a previously politically apathetic individual from Elmbank, Cavan. Reading Miriam Lord’s Sketch sparked interest in her. She appreciates the broad array of information it provides; from huts, sheds and cycles, to looming elections and collective trips to New York City. The column, according to her, encapsulates it all. Humour, as she suggests, is the ideal antidote to the absurdity of politics.
An individual from Cabinteely, Dublin, raises an unexpected point about the copper cladding that graces the security hut. It could be an astute investment but also an unwitting security hazard. Lastly, despite the elegance of the bike shelter and security hut, a resident of Sandycove, County Dublin points out that it’s a stark contrast to the dreary, asphalt-laid, rain-soaked car park which unfortunately represents our national parliament to the public.