Ken O' Flynn TD Expresses Outrage at €326.5k Firemans Hut Restoration the "Size of a garden Shed"

Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn has today demanded greater accountability in public spending by local authorities, calling for large expenditures to come under the scrutiny of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The Cork North-Central TD has expressed outrage at Cork City Council's €326,550 expenditure on the restoration of the 120-year-old Fireman’s Rest, a small structure "the size of a garden shed."

Speaking on the matter, Deputy O’Flynn described the expenditure as "scandalous and an insult to the people of Cork who are facing real challenges."

“When I think about the people in Cork city who are waiting for vital home adaptations like stair lifts, walk-in showers, or accessible bathrooms, this type of wasteful spending is indefensible. €326,550 for a structure that serves no functional purpose could have been directed toward addressing critical needs, particularly for our elderly, disabled, and those waiting on the housing list,” he said.

Deputy O’Flynn also drew comparisons to past controversies in public spending, stating:

“This is exactly the kind of mismanagement we saw with the infamous bicycle shed at Leinster House costing €336,000. It’s clear that we need robust oversight to ensure taxpayers' money is used effectively and responsibly.”

The restoration of the Fireman’s Rest, which now sits outside Anglesea Street Fire Station, has sparked public and political backlash following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan on Cork’s 96FM. The request revealed the breakdown of costs, including €214,550 for restoration works and €112,000 for enabling works.

Deputy O’Flynn has called for the following immediate actions:

Inclusion of Local Authorities Under PAC Scrutiny: "Local authority spending must be brought under the remit of the Public Accounts Committee. It is unacceptable that such projects are carried out without a full and transparent breakdown available to both elected representatives and the public."

Full Cost-Benefit Analysis on Projects: “We need mandatory cost-benefit analysis and justification for projects exceeding €100,000. Spending should align with the needs of the community rather than vanity or legacy projects.”

Accountability Mechanisms: "Elected officials and senior executives in local authorities must be held accountable for excessive spending. This project raises serious questions about decision-making processes in Cork City Council."

While acknowledging the historical significance of the Fireman’s Rest, Deputy O’Flynn criticized the prioritization of such a project over addressing pressing social issues.

“The people of Cork deserve better. I understand the cultural and historical value of structures like the Fireman’s Rest, but public money must first and foremost address the needs of the people it serves. This situation highlights yet again, the broader issue in government and local authority spending that must be addressed immediately.”