"Reckless and Unnecessary Spending Continues Unabated in the OPW," Says TD Ken O'Flynn

Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn has raised serious concerns about ongoing spending by the Office of Public Works (OPW), citing the €120,000+ expenditure on electric vehicle (EV) charging ports at Leinster House as a glaring example of "mismanagement and waste."

TD O'Flynn said:
“This is yet another instance of reckless and unnecessary spending that continues unabated in the OPW. What is it going to take before this is addressed? Spending over €120,000 on 12 EV charging ports, one of which was almost immediately damaged and labeled a health and safety hazard, is indefensible, especially during a time when taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet.”

Questions Over Planning and Execution

The charging port project, completed in April 2023, incurred costs of more than €15,000 for groundworks and plinths, €28,000 for supply and installation, and €18,000 for trenching and surface restoration. Despite the significant outlay, one charging unit was damaged shortly after installation, prompting further costs for repairs and additional protective measures.

TD O'Flynn continued:
“The OPW has admitted that these ports have posed a trip hazard due to poor planning. Health and safety concerns were flagged yet remained unresolved, and more taxpayer money is now being spent to fix mistakes that should never have been made in the first place. This is not just about poor execution; it’s about a complete disregard for responsible spending.”

Compounding Wasteful Spending

Concerns about unnecessary expenditures extend beyond the charging ports. A €336,000 bike shelter nearby was cited as a factor in delaying final decisions about the EV charging layout, while further issues have been reported with chargers at Agriculture House, leading to additional removals and redesigns.

O'Flynn added:
“We’ve seen it time and time again—projects ballooning in cost, poor execution leading to additional expenses, and no accountability. The OPW’s spending is symptomatic of a deeper issue with how public funds are managed. Taxpayers deserve better.”

Demanding Accountability

TD O'Flynn called for immediate action to address wasteful spending and mismanagement within the OPW, including a comprehensive review of ongoing projects and their oversight.

“It’s time for full transparency and accountability. We need a clear explanation of why these mistakes are happening and how the OPW intends to ensure taxpayers' money is used responsibly in the future. Enough is enough—this cannot go on,” O'Flynn concluded.