The latest OPW spending controversy further highlights the need for proper oversight of public projects and political accountability at ministerial level, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
“There will be justifiable public anger at this further waste of public money by the OPW, with the cost of replacing a wall at the Workplace Relations Commission in Ballsbridge ballooning to almost €500,000 – more than twice the original estimate.
“While nobody could have foreseen some of the issues that arose in advance – such as the discovery of a live ESB cable and a leaking pipe – the OPW needs to explain how this project could end up costing such an eye-watering sum of money.
“It is extremely concerning that relatively straightforward issues can derail a project to such an extent – and leave the public on the hook for yet another massive OPW bill.
“There are worrying parallels here with other wasteful projects, such as the Leinster House bike shelter and extravagant security hut. This includes a complete lack of oversight – or any awareness of the runaway costs – by previous ministers with responsibility for the OPW.
“To address this wanton waste of public money, the Social Democrats previously proposed establishing a Government Accountability Office (GAO) within the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
“This GAO would perform the role of a public spending watchdog in real-time; engage with senior civil servants and accounting officers in government departments on an ongoing basis to ensure the public spending code is adhered to; and report to the Public Accounts Committee.
“The OPW’s cavalier approach to spending taxpayers’ money is not just financially ruinous – it is corrosive of public trust in politics and institutions.
“The incoming Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW must ensure there is full accountability, transparency and value for money – and have a far more hands-on approach to public projects than their predecessors.
“It is vital that future projects are delivered on budget and on time – and that there are consequences for failure at the highest political level.”
January 29, 2025