John Conlon, chairman of the Office of Public Works (OPW), informed the Oireachtas Finance Committee that while the project entailed “fairly significant costs,” it also involved a complex mechanical and electrical system integrated with the Government Buildings campus.

Mr. Conlon’s comments came during questioning about the high expenditure on a bike shelter at Leinster House, which cost €336,000. The OPW faced scrutiny for spending that amount on a glass-covered shelter located on the Leinster House grounds.

Green Party TD Steven Matthews raised the issue of the security hut’s cost, asking Mr. Conlon to confirm if it was an OPW project, which the chairman affirmed. The hut is situated at the south gate entrance to Government Buildings.

Mr. Matthews remarked: “That is a very attractive security hut with a sweeping, copper-clad roof. It looks impressive. What was the cost of that project?”

Mr. Conlon responded: “The total cost will be €1.429 million. However, I want to emphasize that this was after an extensive review of security by the Garda Síochána Technical Advisory Group. Although the cost may seem significant, there were substantial mechanical, electrical, and security system expenses involved.

“There was also a considerable cost for temporary structures during construction, underground work, ventilation, communications, and rerouting of underground services. The project has a substantial security aspect.”

Mr. Conlon added that the project would have been approved by the OPW’s general secretary.

Mr. Matthews then contrasted the €336,000 bike shelter with the €1.4 million security hut, acknowledging the difference between the two projects but questioning whether the latter’s price seemed excessive, even considering its security role. “It’s a beautiful structure,” he said. “Is it excessive for its function?”

Mr. Conlon responded: “I don’t believe it is, considering the significant security dimensions and associated costs. It’s not just the visible structure — it’s part of a control system across the entire campus. There was extensive underground work, including power, communications, security, and CCTV systems. Much of this is hidden from view.”

He assured the committee that a detailed breakdown of the costs would be provided.