The Leinster House campus authorities rebuffed a financially reasonable alternative for a bicycle shelter, according to newly disclosed documents from the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The establishment of a bicycle storage structure by the OPW on the Merrion Square side of Leinster House for €336,000 has incited weeks of conflict. The Oireachtas Commission, which oversees Leinster House, has been particularly reproachful of the expenditure.
Nonetheless, an OPW report on the bicycle shelter’s development, released early Wednesday, revealed that in consulting on the project in April 2021, the OPW suggested its ideal solution would be a facility further inside the property, likely near the members’ dining area.
The report clarifies that the commission, dominantly made up of politicians and led by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail, was unhappy with the suggestion of a cycle parking, covered or outside, on the West Road. This was endorsed by security advice. According to the report, the OPW’s favoured choice was to place the amenities on West Road, in front of the 1966 Block, just outside the members’ restaurant. This would have been “out of sight”, near a doorway, would not affect listed structures and appeared to be a practical, cost-effective solution.
Moreover, the report states the OPW knew this option would need adjustments to security and circulation operations, but that wouldn’t be an insurmountable challenge.
Additionally, it illustrates that the Commission demanded the creation of a sheltered bike parking facility which could accommodate e-bike charging systems on the Merrion Square side of Leinster House, preferably as close to Leinster House as feasible.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) had previously cited aesthetic concerns and greater expense as reasons not to erect sheltered structures on either side of Leinster House in full public view. No cost estimates were provided for these facilities during the initial stages. In June 2021, OPW presented a bicycle shed plan to the Oireachtas Commission and gained approval, however cost projections were not shared at that time.
In response to recent controversy, the OPW management is now required to supervise and sanction any undertaking exceeding €200,000, in contrast to the previous limit of €500,000. John Conlon, the OPW chairman, is expected to address the Oireachtas Finance and Public Expenditure Committee today, emphasising the shock and worries the bike shed has elicited from politicians and the public.
He plans to convey his understanding of the public and representatives’ outrage and frustration, ensuring preventative measures are taken to avoid repeating such instances. He will underscore that while the bicycle shed project costs can be rationalised, the aggregate cost fails to provide value for money, thus unacceptable to the taxpayers.
Conlon’s assertion that the considerable cost of the facility is inappropriate for a mere bike shed and needs contemplation is expected. He’s purported to reveal that the project has been reevaluated with conservation as the main fulcrum, and was designed to fulfil the clientele’s needs. He intends to introduce immediate procedures to bring cost-effectiveness to the forefront of projects of similar magnitude in the future.
He will further state that they plan to fully disclose the cost of all voluntary projects in Leinster House to the Oireachtas Commission in future instances.