The Office of Public Works (OPW) in Ireland has financed more than €335,000 for a bicycle shelter at Leinster House that holds up to 18 bikes. This expensive installation, applauded by Eamon Ryan, the Transport Minister, as a step forward in public sector climate action, also involved archaeological counsel to guarantee its compatibility with the architectural surroundings of the parliamentary premises.
According to a detailed account from the OPW, the primary construction and installation project consumed €322,282 of the total cost. Additionally, the archaeological assistance set them back by €2,952, while quantity surveying services and contract administration services took a further €10,816. This costly expenditure has led to some noticable bewilderment within Leinster House; however, the OPW justified the expenditure as required for a top-quality structure considering its prominent location.
The OPW mentioned that, in this case, no business case was needed. They explained that the work in question was completed as part of routine essential maintenance and upgrade operations on the Leinster House Compound and other OPW-owned structures. They further confirmed that there is an ongoing schedule for necessary fabric and upgrading work, managed by the OPW team in charge of the area, along with Oireachtas Facilities. Requests for the relevant scoping documents were declined by the OPW, citing these as part of a planning application and therefore exempt from release for “security reasons”.
The shelter, which features a unique cantilevered canopy designed to defend against the predominant northern winds, lacks full enclosure, leading to concerns that bikes would be overly exposed to weather conditions.
In the month of July, news broke out that Ivana Bacik, the leader of the Labour party, had advocated for the creation of new bicycle shelters at Leinster House. In a response to this suggestion, the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, voiced his scepticism, saying that getting planning consent was “highly improbable” and pointed out that the current amenities were under-utilised.
In the previous month of April, the construction of the new bicycle shelter received approval from Mr. Ryan, stating it as an illustrative instance of the modifications occurring throughout the public service, aligned with the objectives of the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate.
When inquired about the associated expenditures, a representative from the OPW confirmed that the bicycle shelter, which is a new addition within the protected and nationally significant premises of Leinster House, necessitated a well-crafted design and high-quality materials to resonate with the historical character of the location.