Annual Report 2004 - The Office of Public Works

Annual Report 

2004

Contents 

Foreword from Minister of State 2 

Foreword from Chairman 3 

Strategic Review 2004 6 

Customer Charter 14 

Operations Review 2004 18 

Property Management Services 19 

Facilities Management 24 

Project Management Services 29 

Architectural Services 38 

Engineering Services 42 

Government Supplies Agency 48 

Heritage Services 52 

Corporate Services 58 

IT Unit 59 

Training Unit 61 

Accounts Branch 61 

Management Accounting Service 62 

Internal Audit 62 

Art Management Group 62 

Financial Review 2004 64 

Funding of Programmes 67 

Architectural Services 68 

Barretstown Castle Trust 69 

OPW Awards in 2004 72 

Events in the Atrium 2004 74 

Staff and Senior Personnel 76 

OPW Offices throughout the country 79 

High Cross, Durrow Abbey 

Main Guard Clonmel 

Rock of Cashel

Foreword from Minister of State 

2004 was another busy and successful year for the Office of Public Works. The year began 

with Ireland again holding the Presidency of the EU from January to June. This represented 

an enormous undertaking for the OPW given the amount of State visits, meetings and 

conferences involved. I am happy to say that OPW performed with distinction throughout 

this period and particular credit must go to our Facilities Management staff for rising to the 

challenges. 

The decentralisation process announced by Minister Charlie McCreevy in 2003 is well 

underway with the selection of sites ongoing. Agreement was reached on the purchase of 

many properties throughout 2004 and Property Management Services continue to make 

substantial progress in delivering this programme within the agreed timeframe. Project 

Management Services also became involved in rolling out the programme in 2004 as the 

construction of new offices began to become a reality. The high cost of this process 

continues to be offset by the disposal of surplus State assets and OPW raised a significant 

amount of revenue in 2004 through the ongoing transformation of State property 

portfolio. I believe that Decentralisation of civil servants from Dublin to 53 locations around 

the country will be a huge boost to local economies and improve the quality of lives of 

many people. 

In September 2004 the Government accepted the recommendations of a report by an 

inter-departmental group established to review national flood policy. The Group 

recommended that the OPW be the State’s lead agency in relation to this area and be 

tasked with delivering a multi-faceted programme aimed at mitigating future flood risk 

and impact. 

As the range and diversity of functions and responsibilities within the OPW remit expands 

with every passing year, I would like to acknowlege the tireless commitment, 

professionalism and dedication of all OPW staff in responding to the many challenges that 

were set in 2004. I’m also delighted to welcome the Built Heritage function back to the 

OPW and look forward to providing a high quality service in this area in years to come. 

Further tangible evidence of the OPW’s commitment to excellence was demonstrated in 

2004 by M&E’s achievement of accreditation for I.S. EN ISO 9001:2000 in August 2004 

On the staffing side, one of the office’s most experienced and valued member’s retired in 

2004. Michael O’Doherty served the OPW with distinction as Principal Architect for many 

years and I wish him a long and happy retirement. I also take this opportunity to 

congratulate and welcome his successor, Pat Cooney, to the role and look forward to the 

many challenges that we will face together in the coming years. I would also like to 

express my gratitude to all other staff members who retired during 2004. 

Tom Parlon, TD 

Minister of State at the Department of Finance 

with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works 

2

Foreword from Chairman 

2004 brought many challenges and many demands on the Office of Public Works. 

The Management of our Built Heritage transferred from Department of the Environment, 

Heritage and Local Government to OPW. The assimilation of over 1,200 staff impacted on 

practically every area of OPW but particularly so on Human Resources and Accounts. The 

fact that the transition went so smoothly reflects well on all involved. 

2004 also saw very significant progress in implementing the Government decision on 

Decentralisation. The timescales are extremely demanding, both for site acquisition and 

project procurement, but throughout the course of the year we have demonstrated that 

we are ready and capable of meeting the Decentralisation challenge. Property solutions are 

well advanced and we look forward to the start of many building projects in 2005. 

The implementation of our Customer Service Charter in 2004 was an important and 

noteworthy development and good progress continues to be made in the area of 

Performance Management and Development Systems (P.M.D.S.). The focus on customer 

care and staff development are key elements in our overall strategy to ensure that OPW is 

seen as a quality provider of cost effective solutions in the areas of property, projects, 

procurement and heritage. 

Another significant development in 2004 was the approval by Government for the 

publication of the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group and to implement its 

recommendations. The decision to assign the lead role in Flood Risk Management to the 

OPW has major implications for our responsibilities in this area. It will present significant 

opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. 

Finally, I want to acknowledge and pay a special tribute to all the OPW staff involved in 

Ireland’s E.U. Presidency. They performed their duties with great distinction and have 

brought much credit to the organisation. 

All in all we can look back on our achievements in 2004 with justifiable pride. 

Sean Benton 

Chairman 

Office of Public Works 

3

The Main Guard, Clonmel

Management Advisory 

Committee 

David Byers 

Commissioner 

Clare McGrath 

Commissioner 

Patrick Cooney 

Director of Architectural Services 

Séan Benton 

Chairman 

Tony Smyth 

Director of Engineering Services 

Chief Engineer 

Vincent Campbell 

Director of Corporate Services

Strategic Review2004 

OPW Headquarters, 

51 St. Stephens Green 

The Famine Warhouse 1848 

Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary 

Upper Yard 

Dublin Castle

Statement of Strategy 

Statement of Strategy 

This Review assesses the progress made within OPW against strategic targets during 2004 

under the broad headings identified in the most recent (2003 - 2005) Statement of Strategy. 

The Heritage Service is separately assessed against the relevant targets set in the 

Department of the Environment and Local Government Statement of Strategy 2003 – 2005. 

KEY OBJECTIVE 2004 PROGRESS PERFORMANCE INDICATOR COMMENT 

PROJECT-RELATED OBJECTIVES (NOS. 1, 8 & 9) 

1. To Deliver on the 

Annual Work 

Programme 

Work Programme: 

Work programmes were 

on target at end year 

with approx. 99.2% of 

the Vote allocation spent. 

All major projects and 

programmes with a post 

2004 completion date 

were on target at yearend. 

• Financial outturn 

• Contractual 

commitments 

• General progress 

assessments by 

Business Unit Heads. 

Work Programme: 

The end year Business 

Plan review shows that 

the measures outlined at 

the start of the year have 

proceeded broadly to 

target. 

A significant unforeseen 

increase in workload as a 

result of the Decentralisation 

Programme arose during 

2004 – principally within 

the Property Management, 

Architectural Services and 

Project Management areas. 


CUSTOMER SERVICE OBJECTIVES (NOS. 2 & 3) 

2. To deliver a Quality 

Customer Service in a 

timely & consistent 

manner 

ISO Accreditation: 

All Business Units in • External review (NSAI) 

possession of ISO • External accreditation 

accreditation maintained award. 

the standard during 2004: 

• Architectural Services 

• Project Management 

Services 

• Engineering Services 

- Hydrology & 

Hydrometric 

- Structural Engineering 

- Arterial Drainage 

Maintenance 

- Design Section 

• Property Management 

Services 

In addition, Project 

Management Services 

were successful in updating 

their accreditation to ISO 

9001/2000 certification 

level. 

ISO Accreditation: 

ISO accreditation is 

being maintained. 

Two Business Units 

remain to achieve 

accreditation. 

• Property Maintenance 

• GSA 

Both are actively 

working on this with a 

2005 target for 

achievement of the 

standard. 

7


Customer Service 

Action Plan: 

The Customer Service Action 

Plan 2004 – 2007 and the 

OPW Customer Service 

Charter were published in 

the second half of 2004. 

• Publication (paper and 

Web). 

Customer Service 

Action Plan: 

A new Customer Service 

Charter was devised by the 

QCS Network to publicly set 

out OPW service standards. 

The Customer Service Action 

Plan was reviewed in tandem 

to ensure consistency and 

both documents were 

published in August 2004. 

The QCS Network will have a 

role in relation to measuring 

progress against the new 

Plan, particularly in regard to 

developing a coordinated 

approach to Customer 

Surveying (see Key Objective 

no 4 below). 


CUSTOMER SERVICE OBJECTIVES (NOS. 2 & 3) 

3. To dedicate particular 

focus to achieving 

specified levels of service 

for individual customers 

Service Level Agreements: 

A number of SLA’s are 

currently in place: 

External: 

• With Revenue for Property 

Management Services 

• With Irish Museum of 

Modern Art, RHK for Property 

Maintenance Services. 

Internal: 

• With Property 

Management Services for 

Engineering Services. 

(Structures) 

A Further agreement (with 

Project Management for various 

engineering services) was in 

discussion during the year and 

will be concluded in 2005. 

• Service Level Agreements. 

Service Level Agreements: 

Although a number of 

successful SLA’s have been 

put in place, the target 

volume envisaged in the 

Statement of Strategy has 

not been fully realised in the 

first two years of the Strategy 

period. 

Preparatory work in relation 

to establishing further SLA’s 

with selected Customers will 

continue. 


PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES 

4. To engage continually in 

a process of measurement 

of performance against 

other similar organisations 

Business Accounts: 

Data retrieval to provide 

commercial-style accounts 

continues in Architectural 

Services and Engineering 

Services. 

GSA also produce accounts 

for the Publications and Iris 

Oifigiuil areas 

• End year accounts 

Business Accounts: 

Accounts are maintained on 

a whole Business-Unit 

commercial style within 

Architecture and 

Engineering. 

Accounts covering discrete 

elements of some other 

Business Unit activities are 

prepared and are useful in 

that limited context. 

8


Benchmarking Exercises: 

Exercises carried out in 

Business Units: 

• Architectural Services. 

• Engineering Services. 

• End year accounts & 

analysis with external 

comparators. 

Benchmarking exercises: 

Architectural Services & 

Engineering Services 

commercial-style accounts 

are used to display cost 

effectiveness in comparison 

with external comparators. 

Useful one-off exercises have 

also been completed in various 

local areas within the Office. 

Work began in 2004 to 

develop proposals for future 

benchmarking exercises with 

DOE Northern Ireland for 

Professional Services; Project 

Management; Property 

Management and Property 

Maintenance. 

Customer Surveys: 

Customer Surveys are carried 

out as part of ISO 

accreditation compliance. 

• Paper survey. Direct 

Interviews 

Customer Surveys: 

Customer Surveys are carried 

out locally within Business 

Units in compliance with ISO 

procedures. 

In late 2004, the PR Office 

and the QCS Network 

commenced a centralised 

Customer survey, based on a 

representative sample of the 

customer base. This will be 

further developed in 2005 

and beyond (see Key 

Objective No. 2 above). 


CORPORATE REPORTING OBJECTIVES 

5. To develop efficient 

corporate reporting 

arrangements which 

contribute in a meaningful 

way to the achievement of 

Strategic goals 

Management Information 

Framework: 

Tenders were invited mid 

2004 for the new Financial 

Management System – a key 

component of MIF. At yearend, 

these tenders were being 

evaluated with a view to placing 

a contract in early 2005. 

ICT projects / initiatives: 

Current projects being 

addressed are: 

• Peoplesoft (HRM system.) 

• Registry system; 

• Property Maintenance 

Visibility system 

• Financial Management 

System 

• Heritage Service infrastructures 

• Flood Hazard Mapping 

• Reporting requirements of 

D/Finance. 

• Tender placement. 

• Specific projects. 

Management Information 

Framework: 

During 2004, OPW 

continued to make progress 

on MIF initiatives. 

The target for completion of 

the placing the contract for 

new FMS is late 2005. 

ICT projects / initiatives: 

The IT User Group has 

developed a significant role as 

a generator of projects with an 

integrated business focus. 

Current key projects include 

the new HRM system 

(Peoplesoft), and the new 

FMS system and will be 

priorities in 2005. 

Flood Hazard mapping and 

Heritage Service infrastructure 

projects will be concluded 

early 2005. 

9


HRM CHANGE OBJECTIVE 

6. To modernise the HR 

function so as to better 

meet the needs of the core 

Business Units and the 

staff of OPW 

HRM Strategy: 

• Work continued during 

2004 on the creation of a 

new Human Resource 

Management Strategy, 

taking into account the 

new factors caused by the 

return of Heritage Services 

and the Decentralisation 

initiative. 

• Strategy draft. 

HRM Strategy: 

Progress on this project was 

inhibited in early 2004 due to 

the focus on Heritage 

Services integration and OPW 

Decentralisation. At year-end 

however, work had resumed 

on the project with a focus 

on final completion of the 

Strategy in 2005. 

Implementation issues will 

follow, taking the 

Decentralisation timetable 

into account. 

Process Manual for HR 

function: 

This work was substantially 

concluded during 2004. The 

remainder (approx. 10 - 15%) 

will be finished in early 2005. 

Process Manual for HR 

function: 

The HRM mapping project 

will support efficient transfer 

of personnel management 

functions in the context of 

both the Decentralisation 

project and the devolution of 

certain HRM functions to 

Line Management. 

• Process manual. 


REGULATORY REFORM OBJECTIVE 

7. To address the issue of 

regulatory reform so as to 

ensure that the OPW 

retains the ability to act on 

Government policy in a 

changing environment 

Regulatory Reform issues: 

Commissioners’ powers 

issues were considered & 

legal advices obtained. No 

further action is 

contemplated currently. 

The broader regulatory 

reform issues are being 

examined by the Attorney 

General’s Office. 

• MAC decisions 

Regulatory Reform issues: 

In regard to one area where 

legislation may be critical to 

operation (i.e.: flood risk 

management), specific 

proposals for legislative 

reform may emerge (see Key 

Objective No. 9 below). 

Separately, Corporate 

Services will coordinate with 

the Attorney General’s Office 

in relation to input to their 

project to review the entire 

statute book. This process 

will possibly identify some 

possibilities for the repeal 

and/or consolidation of 

legislation on the Statute 

Book relevant to OPW. 

10



8. To achieve greater 

efficiency in the use of 

property assets 

Review of portfolio: 

Specific measures have been 

taken in relation to a number 

of issues: 

• DOELG-led proposal for 

affordable and social housing 

on OPW owned sites 

• Garda portfolio asset 

management. 

• Commercial-style 

developments at a number 

of locations 

• Child services (Crèche 

facilities) 

• Telecoms projects 

• Property disposals. 

• Public Housing 

developments. 

• Redevelopment / Disposal 

proposals. 

• Planning application 

• Child services 

• Property sales 

Review of portfolio: 

A number of separate 

proposals have been 

identified in the areas of 

public housing, Garda 

facilities, commercial-style 

developments, child services 

and telecoms-related projects. 

These separate initiatives are 

being proactively developed 

through the OPW’s Property 

Management Services, 

supported by Project 

Management Services. 

Major projects undertaken 

are outlined separately in this 

volume. 



9. To address emerging 

problems in the area of 

flooding 

Flood Policy Review: 

Following the formal review 

process during 2003, 

Government subsequently 

decided to proceed with the 

main Review 

recommendations. 

• Proposals to Government. 

Flood Policy Review: 

Delivery of the Strategy 

target has been met. Further 

legislation may be required. 

This is currently being 

assessed. 

11

Heritage Services 

The Strategies and Key Performance Indicators for those elements of the Heritage Service that transferred 

to OPW in 2004 are*: 

KEY STRATEGIES 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 


Conserve, manage and present State properties to the 

highest standards as models of excellence in the 

conservation of the built and natural heritage. 

• Improved visitor numbers and visitor satisfaction at 

heritage sites. 

• Progress on adopting management plans for selected sites. 

• Conservation status of heritage sites monitored. 

• Efficient and effective conservation of the Department s 

property portfolio. 

* Extract from the Department of the Environment and Local Government Statement of Strategy 2003 – 2005. (The balance of the 

strategic targets within this document remain with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who have 

retained responsibility for policy issues relating to Heritage.) 

Progress achieved during 2003 was as follows: 



Conserve, manage and 

present State properties to 

the highest standards as 

models of excellence in 

the conservation of the 

built and natural heritage. 

Heritage Service: 

Work continued throughout 

the year on the conservation, 

management and 

presentation of a broad 

range of sites across the 

country. 

Details of these projects are 

contained elsewhere in this 

volume. 

Improved visitor numbers 

and visitor satisfaction at 

heritage sites. 

Visitor records for 2004 show 

an increase overall in visitor 

numbers. 

In-house quality surveys were 

carried out and site comment 

books were monitored by 

Visitor Services management 

to identify issues and assess 

visitor feedback during 2004 

season. An external 

consultancy examination was 

carried out at certain national 

sites during 2004 to assess 

visitor preference and identify 

general visitor issues. 

Progress on adopting 

management plans for 

selected sites. 

Management Plans were 

commissioned in respect of a 

number of National 

Monuments sites. 

12


Conservation status of 

heritage sites monitored. 

(This relates to on-theground 

care of heritage sites 

and not to the wider 

planning context,which 

function was retained by the 

DOEHLG.) 

The conservation of heritage 

sites continued to be 

administered in respect of 

both sites in state ownership 

and those in State care (740 

approx), using a mix of direct 

management onsite and 

remote management 

through the network of 

National Monuments Depots 

nationwide. 

Efficient and effective 

conservation of the 

Department s property 

portfolio. 

(This relates to the built 

elements of the property 

portfolio only — the National 

Parks and Wildlife properties 

remain with the DOEHLG.) 

Management of the built 

portfolio continued to be 

implemented successfully, 

with a strong emphasis on 

the tourist,visitor and 

educational dimensions of 

the properties concerned. 

Statement of Strategy 2005 – 2008 

Following the appointment of a new Minister for Finance in September 2004, OPW is required, under the 

terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997, Section 4, (1) Subsection (b) (ii), to produce a new 

Statement of Strategy for the period 2005 – 2008. 

This work commenced in late 2004 and by year-end had advanced to the stage where a draft Statement 

was practically complete. The new Statement will, subject to Ministerial and Taoiseach’s approval, be 

formally published early in 2005. 

13

OPW Customer Charter 

The OPW is first and foremost a service organisation. Its ethos is client focus, timely delivery and value for 

money. The operations of OPW are carried out by seven Business Units: 

• Project Management Services. 

• Property Management Services. 

• Property Maintenance Services. 

• Architectural Services. 

• Engineering Services. 

• Government Supplies Agency. 

• Heritage Services. 

Mission Statement 

To deliver, in support of Government policies, high-quality services in property, design, construction and 

procurement on time and in budget. The OPW is committed to providing you, our customer, with an 

excellent service. This Charter sets out the standards of service you can expect from us. It should be read in 

parallel with our Customer Service Action Plan, which details our approach to planning for good customer 

service across the 12 Civil Service Principles for Quality Customer Service. 

OPW Customer Service Standards 

We have categorised our Service Standards under 5 broad themes: 

1. General Response 

2. Information 

3. Equality 

4. Mission Delivery 

5. Complaints and Appeals. 

14

General Response 

We aim to provide services consistently at times and venues that suit our customers. 

Telephone Enquiries 

• We will generally be available to answer telephone enquiries during normal office hours 

(9.15am-1.00pm and 2.15pm-5.30pm Monday-Friday [5.15pm Friday])* 

• If specific staff are not available to speak with you when you call, we will ensure that you are 

assisted in their absence. 

* Some regional/local offices staffed primarily by operational project/site staff may not be occupied at all times within these hours. 

Written Communication 

• We will acknowledge all written enquiries and non-routine correspondence (including faxes and 

email) promptly and will aim to give a comprehensive reply to at least 95% of all such 

correspondence within twenty working days at the latest. 

Personal Callers 

• We will be available to meet with you by appointment during normal working hours (see above). 

We will be as flexible as possible if you need to have an appointment scheduled outside these hours. 

Providing Information 

We recognise the importance of meeting the expectations of our customers for information that is timely, 

accurate and relevant to their needs. 

Freedom of Information 

• We will fulfil all statutory requirements in relation to making information available within the 

specified time. 

• We will make every effort to ensure that simple requests are dealt with outside the scope of the 

relevant legislation with minimum inconvenience to requesters. 

Website 

• We will maintain the OPW Website so as to ensure relevance, accuracy and ease of use for users. 

• We will, where appropriate and feasible, provide links from our website to other relevant sources of 

information on the Internet. 

• We will provide for a contact facility for users of the website and will aim to respond to any issues 

raised there within twenty working days. 

15

General Information 

• We will ensure that all generally available information is accessible in both electronic and printed 

format, if required. 

Equality of treatment 

We are committed to providing services to all our customers on an equal status basis. This means that we 

will accommodate the needs of specific customers or groups of customers with a view to achieving an 

equality of treatment. 

Physical access 

• We will ensure that public areas (*) within our premises and sites are accessible (**) to all callers. 

• We will, on behalf of our Customer Departments, Offices and Agencies, ensure that any new 

buildings or premises we provide them will be accessible by all. We will, on a progressive basis, deal 

with older buildings and premises to ensure that they are also rendered accessible. 

* Due to the nature of some sites, not all areas within certain Heritage sites or local operational offices may be fully accessible at all times. 

** Access to certain areas in OPW sites and buildings may be controlled from time to time on Health and Safety grounds. 

Language Equality 

• We will fulfil the requirements of the Official Languages Act 2003 in regard to the needs of our Irish 

language customers. 

• We will ensure that anyone communicating with us in writing in Irish will receive a reply in the same 

language. 

• We will aim over time to ensure that anyone wishing to communicate through the Irish language 

will be accommodated. 

Mission Delivery 

We are committed to providing efficient services to our customers in line with the key elements of our 

Mission Statement. 

Fit for Purpose 

• We will ensure the basic fitness for purpose of any building or premises which we provide to our 

customers. 

16

Quality Services 

• We undertake to give a quality service in all of the core areas detailed in our Mission Statement 

(property, design, construction and procurement) and in the provision of Heritage Services. 

Timeliness and Cost 

• We will aim to deliver services on time and in budget. 

Dealing with Problems 

We undertake to provide a clear, simple system for processing complaints and appeals. 

Complaints* 

• Customer Service Officers within Business Units (**) will initially deal with complaints. If there is no 

resolution at that level, an internal appeal may be made to the relevant Head of Section** (Principal 

Officer, Assistant Principal Architect or Assistant Chief Engineer.) 

• Within the Heritage Services, complaints in relation to service delivery at visitor sites can be made to 

the Guide or the Guide Supervisor on the site in question. Where no Guide service is available or if 

the complaint relates to another aspect of services offered by the Heritage Service, then the 

complaint should be made directly to the Customer Services Officer for that area**. 

* The term “complaint” is deemed not to include any legal or other claims for which a separate procedure already exists or is set out in law. 

** Contact details for Customer Service Officers, POs, APAs and ACEs are provided at Appendices 2 & 3 of the OPW Customer Service 

Action Plan. 

Appeals 

• If the issue cannot be dealt with at OPW level, an appeal may be made to the Office of the 

Ombudsman. 

17

Operations Review2004 

Clonmacnoise 

In July 2004,72/76 St Stephens 

Green was sold netting the State 

52.3 Million.The State realised 

100 million from the disposal of 

surplus State Property and the 

two sites for the Affordable 

Housing Initiative. 

Artists impression 

of Westgate

Property Management Services 

Transforming State Assets 

At the launch of the 2002 Annual Report, Minister Parlon indicated his intent to initiate a 

programme of transforming State Assets. Following this announcement, a new unit was 

established in Property Management Services to deal with the disposal programme. A 

whole review process was commenced with a view to identifying vacant, under-utilised, 

under-developed or surplus State Property. 

To date the process has produced a number of properties deemed suitable for detailed 

assessment to determine their potential for disposal or redevelopment. 

In assessing these particular properties, a range of considerations are being taken into 

account, including: 

• The planning issues in the context of their development potential 

• Their overall condition 

• The extent to which decisions on decentralisation might impact on them 

• The alternative uses to which they might be put,including the possibility of their 

being used for housing purposes 

• Their market value. 

This resulted in three large sales in the Dublin area alone in 2004. 

Properties disposed in 2004 

BUILDING PRICE CLOSING DATE 

2 Church St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 337,000.00 12th May '04 

Lad Lane, Dublin 2 22,500,000.00 5th May '04 

Blacklion Customs Frontier Post Site – Cavan 21,586.23 16th March '04 

72-76 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2 52,300,000.00 15th Sep. '04 

Kilmacthomas G.S., Co. Waterford 100,000.00 13th Aug. '04 

14/16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 8 8,780,140.48 30th Aug. '04 

Thomastown GS, Co. Kilkenny 450,000.00 7th Dec. '04 

To further use of State Lands for the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative, 

two sites were identified: 

1.Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 - 1.2 Hectares. 

2.Jamestown Road, Inchicore - 2.6 Hectares 

The transfer is being finalised with Dublin City Council. The programme is continuing for 2005. 

19

Property Management 

2004 Market Overview 

The office rental market 

The year saw a marked recovery from the somewhat tentative recovery that was observed in 2003. This 

rend was particularly evident in the Dublin office sector, particularly in the traditional central office areas. 

By contrast the suburban office parks continued to offer good value for money as landlords competed to 

achieve lettings in what was often a fragile recovery at best. 

The recovery in the Dublin office market was evidenced by an increased take up of space, variously 

reported in a range between 160,000 and 190,000 sq m, a substantial increase (over 25%) above the 

previous year, and vacancy rates decreased in proportion, to a figure of about 15% overall in the Dublin 

area, and to almost half that figure in the city centre. 

In the somewhat fragile suburban office market, OPW adopted a "wait and see" attitude, using both the 

advantageous market situation and its premier covenant to achieve value for money lease terms. 

The impact of decentralisation 

The impact of the major government initiative to decentralise large elements of its central government 

departments across the country was profound. OPW is playing a key role in this programme in its role of 

sourcing and developing regional offices to meet the developing decentralisation programme. In 

consequence, with the exception of situations where it was required to meet urgent local office 

requirements, the State was not an active player in the Dublin office market. 

Property sales 

OPW’s main impact on the commercial property market was the successful disposal of some of its major 

property holdings in the city centre for what was considered to be exceptional prices, sales which were 

used to fund the site acquisition programme for decentralisation. Many of these properties were in reality 

development sites in the making as private investors competed to acquire some of the State’s key city 

holdings for large-scale redevelopment. This rolling programme of disposals is ongoing and will continue 

for the foreseeable future as the State’s property portfolio is rationalised and rebalanced in the new reality 

of decentralisation. 

Rent Reviews 

The OPW continued to pursue settlement of rent reviews with customary vigour, and in cases where 

settlement at reasonable rates could not be reached, such cases were referred for determination by 

independent third party. 

20

New Leases 01 January 2004 – 31 December 2004 - Dublin 

PROPERTY NAME LOCATION DEPARTMENT COMMENCE EXPIRY RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM 

Balbriggan 

Passport Office Balbriggan Foreign Affairs 24-Jan-04 23-Dec-23 2914.05 553,669.50 

Tallaght DTC Dublin 24 Transport 01-Mar-04 31-Aug-07 157.93 48,250.05 

Tallaght Education 

Office Dublin 24 Education & Science 01-Apr-04 30-Dec-22 589.99 113,658.00 

Tallaght PIAB Dublin 24 P.I.A.B. 30-Apr-04 29-Apr-24 N/A 15,200.00 

Tallaght PIAB Dublin 24 P.I.A.B. 30-Apr-04 29-Apr-24 1011.8 188,553.75 

Dublin Airport Dublin Airport Garda Siochana 01-Jun-04 31-May-08 39.7 14,599.20 

New Leases 01 January 2004 – 31 December 2004 – Regional 

PROPERTY NAME COUNTY/LOCATION DEPARTMENT COMMENCE EXPIRY RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM 

Naas Gov Office Kildare/Naas National Education Psychology 01-Jan-04 31-Jan-24 1343.37 254,034.00 

Service, Education Regional 

Office, N.E.W.B., Social, 

Community & Family Affairs 

Roscommon Agric Roscommon/ Agriculture, Food & Rural 01-Mar-04 28-Feb-05 419.44 65,557.80 

Office Roscommon Development 

Furbo Pairc Gno Galway/Furbo Community, Rural and 01-Apr-04 31-Mar-06 223 24,382.82 

CRAGA 

Gaeltacht Affairs 

Trim NCSE Meath/Trim National Council for Special 01-Apr-04 31-Mar-24 407.17 87,645.60 

Education 

Galway Hynes Yard Galway/Galway Social, Community & Family 06-Apr-04 05-Apr-06 N/A 13,650.00 

Car Park 

Affairs 

Cork Marine Office Cork/Cork Communications, Marine and 01-May-04 25-Dec-05 42 37,980.00 

Natural Resources 

Cork Marine Office Cork/Cork Communications, Marine and 01-May-04 25-Dec-05 25 5,910.72 


Achill Gaeltacht Mayo/ Community, Rural and 01-May-04 31-Jan-14 46 2,678.83 

Affairs Off Achill Island Gaeltacht Affairs 

Cork Marine Office Cork/Cork Communications, Marine and 03-May-04 02-Apr-14 483 58,500.00 


Maam GS Galway/Maam Garda Siochana 01-Jul-04 30-Jun-09 51.5 7,800.00 

Temporary 

Limerick Prob/ Limerick/ Probation & Welfare Service 01-Jul-04 30-Jun-24 258.5 45,262.00 

Welfare Service Limerick 

Castlebar Prob/ Mayo/Castlebar Probation & Welfare Service 19-Aug-04 18-May-14 355.445 38,259.80 

Welfare Service 

Navan NEPS Meath/Navan National Education 01-Sep-04 30-Aug-05 N/A 6,000.00 

Carpark 

Psychology Service 

21

PROPERTY NAME COUNTY/LOCATION DEPARTMENT COMMENCE EXPIRY RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM 

Roscrea Civil Tipperary/ Defence 01-Sep-04 31-Aug-24 1712.95 170,000.00 

Defence Office Roscrea 

Roscrea Civil Tipperary/ Defence 01-Sep-04 31-Aug-24 8094 25,000.00 

Defence Office Roscrea 

Roscrea Civil Tipperary/ Defence 01-Sep-04 28-Feb-05 120.7 15,000.00 

Defence Off Temp Roscrea 

Navan NEPS Office Meath/Navan National Education Psychology 15-Sep-04 14-Sep-05 341.42 55,000.00 

Service 

Athlone Prob/Wel Westmeath/ Probation & Welfare Service 17-Oct-04 16-Oct-06 613.14 110,472.00 

The Cresent Athlone 

Sligo Pensions Sligo/Sligo Social, Community & Family 12-Nov-04 11-Aug-24 N/A 123,750.00 

Services Office 

Affairs 

Navan Wildlife Meath/Navan Environment & Local 01-Dec-04 31-Aug-09 112.5 16,954.00 

Office 

Government 

Leases Surrendered 2004 – Dublin 

PROPERTY NAME LOCATION DEPARTMENT SURRENDER DATE CAR PARK SPACES RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM 

Hatch St 6/7 Dublin 2 Foreign Affairs 31-Aug-04 0 637.39 284,391.39 

Hardwicke Hse 

City Quay Car Park Dublin 2 Revenue 13-Feb-04 18 N/A 62,856.00 

Distillery Building Dublin 7 Education & 07-Jan-04 1 836.1 475,530.00 

Science 

Santry Foreign Dublin 9 Foreign Affairs 07-Jul-04 45 N/A 127,500.00 

Affairs Car Pk 

Tallaght DTC Dublin 24 Transport 28-Feb-04 20 162.58 48,250.05 

22

Leases Surrendered 2004 – Regional 

PROPERTY NAME COUNTY/LOCATION DEPARTMENT SURRENDER DATE RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM 

Kilmihil GS + MQ Clare/Kilmihil Garda Siochana 13-Jan-04 40.87 3,674.70 

Bantry Wildlife Cork/Bantry Environment & 10-Mar-04 10.22 1,980.79 

Service 

Local Government 

Donegal SWO Donegal/ Social, Community 20-May-04 156.17 19,807.91 

Donegal & Family Affairs 

Donegal Customs Donegal/ Revenue 16-Apr-04 148.64 13,332.25 

and Excise Donegal 

Galway Mervue Galway/ Garda Siochana 01-Dec-04 26.93 6,602.64 

Garda 

Galway 

Kilkenny Refugee Kilkenny/ OPW 20-Oct-04 183,991.32 

Site 

Kilkenny 

Limerick Education Limerick/ Education & 21-Sep-04 58.25 3,809.21 

Office Limerick Science 

Tourmakeady GS Mayo/ Garda Siochana 20-Jul-04 76.6 4,761.52 

Tourmakeedy 

Sligo Central Sligo/Sligo CSO 08-Apr-04 52.58 5,713.82 

Statistics Office 

Athlone AHGI Westmeath/ AHGI 20-Apr-04 80.83 11,046.72 

Office 

Athlone 

23

Facilities Management 

Ireland’s Presidency of the E.U. 

The Facilities Management Unit provided a full event and facilities management package to all 

Government Departments and Agencies during the E.U. Presidency. This involved the servicing of 345 

meetings in 62 venues across the entire breadth of the country in the six months from January to June. 

The core event management activity was centered on meetings held in Dublin Castle, Farmleigh and the 

Royal Hospital Kilmainham. However, a significant part of the Unit’s resources were devoted to the 

management of the innovative and highly successful "EU Presidency roadshow" initiative especially in 

relation to the many Ministerial and other high level meetings held throughout the country. There were 

36 high level meetings held, including the Day of Welcomes for accession countries on May the 1st and 

the E.U./U.S. Summit in June. 

Dublin Castle 

The Dublin Castle Conference facilities were closed to all activity other than E.U. Presidency business from 

January to June. In the year, 107,600 people visited the State Apartments, participating in approximately 

4,500 individual guided tours. 

Apart from the E.U. Presidency meetings during the first six months of the year, Dublin Castle hosted 170 

events between July and December. The nature of these events was extremely varied with the highlight being 

the Presidential Inauguration in November. Other events included State dinners, international conferences, 

music concerts and art exhibitions. The total attendance at these events was in the region of 35,000. 

In addition to the aforementioned event management functions, the Dublin Castle management team 

continued to provide a full property management service to all the occupants of the Dublin Castle complex 

in 2004. 

The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham (RHK) 

The RHK was closed to all conference and event activity other than E.U. Presidency business from January 

to June. In the latter half of the year 80 events were held with a total attendance of approximately 16,000 

people. The Irish Museum of Modern Art, which is housed in the RHK, attracted 350,000 visitors. 

The Department of Education and Science, Marlborough Street 

The Facilities Management Unit continues to provide building maintenance and security services at the 

Department of Education and Science complex in Marlborough Street. 

Farmleigh 

Farmleigh played a key role as an important venue for EU Presidency events during the first six months of 

2004. This culminated in the ‘Day of Welcomes’ dinner at Farmleigh that was attended by the 25 Prime 

Ministers of the 15 existing and 10 new accession countries. 

24

Farmleigh was closed to the public from January to end-June as a result of the EU Presidency. Despite this 

however, over 109,000 people visited Farmleigh in 2004. 

During 2004 there were 152 meetings, seminars and workshops held at Farmleigh. There were 12 separate 

overnight stays, 127 booked tours, 88 open days for the public and 52 cultural events. 

The successful "At Farmleigh" programme of seasonal events continued to provide ample opportunities to 

the public to enjoy Farmleigh’s facilities during 2004 with themed events organized on a monthly basis. 

This included the popular food markets during September. The series of Christmas events at the House also 

enjoyed great public interest and support. 

Áras an Uachtarain 

The Facilities Management Unit continued to play an important role in the management of Áras an 

Uachtarain in 2004 through the co-ordination of a range of property, housekeeping and catering services. 

A highlight of the year was the hosting in the Áras of the main ceremonial event for the "Day of 

Welcomes" on May 1st. The Facilities Management Unit team in the Áras played a key role in the 

successful organisation of this prestigious event. 

General Facilities Management Services 

The Facilities Management Unit oversees the provision, through contracted service providers, of a full range 

of support services at other properties such as the new Government Laboratories at Backweston, Co. 

Kildare and the Northside Civic Centre in Coolock, Dublin. The objective is to ensure the provision of a 

professional, cost-effective and best practice facilities management service to the client Departments. 

Farmleigh

Property Maintenance 

SUMMARY REPORT OF EXPENDITURE BY OPW PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN 2004* € 

Maintenance 31,879,000 

Capital Expenditure 36,487,000 

General Maintenance Client Accounts 14,145,000 

Agency work done by OPW for Departments 4,537,000 

School Works 309,000 

Total 87,357,000 

* This table shows expenditure on contract work managed by Property Maintenance Services, excluding Health & Safety Works 

ISO 9001:2002 

Work began in 2004 to comprehensively document works procedures and protocols in Property 

Maintenance Services to achieve ISO 9001:2000 accreditation by year-end in 2005. 

EU Presidency 

The accommodation requirements and facilities management services required by Government 

Departments and the Garda Authorities to facilitate EU functions and security requirements during Ireland’s 

presidency of the EU in 2004 were met by our network of Regional Offices and Facilities Management 

Division in Dublin. 

Garda Minor Works Programme 

Expenditure on the above programme was 5m in 2004 and included refurbishment works at some 44 

garda stations, including Carrigaline, Dolla, Ennistymon, Newmarket, Riverstown and Roscrea. 

Health & Safety Strategy 

Property Maintenance Services has put in place protocols for compliance with Health and Safety legislation. 

This covers a wide spectrum project supervisor design stage (PSDS), project supervisor construction stage 

(PSCS) and risk self-assessment for trade personnel and general operatives in BMS and Furniture Branch. 

It is necessary to advertise for panels of contractors in each region for emergency call-out works. These 

contractors will have to tender in the normal way for contracts. The protocol is for emergency works only. 

They will assess the risk and act as PSCS. 

26

Measured Term Maintenance Contracts 

• Tenders were invited through the OJEC procedure for a pilot scheme in the Dublin area, one north 

and one south corresponding to the existing regions. The contract has not yet been placed. 

• A Help Desk will be tendered as the single point of contact for all maintenance services delivered by 

OPW. It will control the registration of all requests for maintenance work from our clients. 

• There will be the support and backup of a quantity surveying service that will check the monthly 

claims made by the MTM contractor for works undertaken. It also provides a new facility for our 

clients in that they will be able to get an accurate cost estimate for work they require. 

• The regional offices will be the technical and supervisory element of the new maintenance 

framework. They will also supply the MTM contractor with a list of contractors used by them at 

present. 

Building Maintenance Services 

With the coming of the MTM contracts BMS will withdraw from the routine maintenance in modern 

offices, generally, and will focus on the conservation of heritage and historic buildings in the Dublin Area. 

There are on-going discussions with English Heritage regarding the up-skilling of the craftsmen in BMS 

after the move has taken place and the new staff profile and skills have been identified. 

There have been great strides made in the area of Health & Safety and all the staff have embraced the new 

protocols. BMS started a programme of fitting ‘Fall Arrest’ systems to the roofs of the heritage properties in 

the Dublin area. All plant and equipment is tested and certified once a year. 

A time recording systems will begin this year in the BMS Cork and Limerick depots. The supply contracts 

for the supply of fire extinguishers and the supply of materials for both BMS and Furniture Branch will 

happen in 2005. 

Annual accounts have been produced for BMS over the last three years. Each year they have produced a 

profit on the chargeable works of approximately 9% - 11.6%. 

Furniture Branch 

A performance specification manual is now finished as is the brochure for all drawdown items supplied by 

Furniture Branch. 

Furniture Branch will be integrated fully into the Visibility software system for salaries, contracting and 

payments. The drawdown contract for office furniture is in place and will cater for the furniture needs of 

decentralisation. 

Furniture Branch will be setting the protocols for their procedure manual leading to ISO accreditation in 

2006. 

27

Riverstown Garda Station, 

Sligo

Project Management Services 

Project Management Services (PMS), with the assistance of the OPW’s Architectural and Engineering 

Services and such private sector professional disciplines as may be required, manages the delivery of new 

construction, refurbishment, conservation and major maintenance projects on behalf of the OPW and its 

clients and customers. 

Project Management Services articulates, in detail, the clients or customers brief of requirements in order to 

assist in delivering these on time, within budget and to the highest architectural and engineering 

standards, in compliance with Government and EU Procurement procedures. 

Delivery of clients and customers requirements involves managing the development of tender 

documentation, assembly and appointment of the design team, securing necessary planning permission, 

selecting contractors, overseeing progress on site and managing the costs of the projects. 

Department of Social and Family Affairs Programme 

Expenditure in 2004 was 997,000. 

COMPLETED IN PROGRESS PLANNING PERMISSION/TENDER STAGE IN PLANNING 

Cobh – new Local Office – 

Refurbishment and extension 

Hynes Building, Galway – fitout 

of ground and 1st floors 

Ballymun – Construction of 

new Local Office 

Bray – Construction of new 

Local Office 

Courts Services Programme 

In 2004 expenditure was 2,103,653 on this programme. 


Cork City & County 

Courthouse, Washington 

Street 

Longford - Refurbishment 

Tullamore - refurbishment Criminal Court Complex – 

New build 

Nenagh – Refurbishment & 

new extension 

Cork District Court extension 

29


Bray – Construction of new 

Courthouse 

Youghal – refurbishment 

Four Courts – Security Works 

Phase 1 

Kilkenny – refurbishment 

Ballyshannon, new build 

Wexford – new build 

Drogheda – new build 

Letterkenny – new build 

Monaghan – refurbishment 

Mullingar – refurbishment 

Office Rationalisation Programme 


Dept. Justice Equality & Law 

Reform – Forensic Science 

Laboratory – Prefab Building 

Office of the Revenue 

Commissioners, Blocks 8 

–10, Dublin Castlerefurbishment 

works 

Dept. of Transport – Driving 

Test Centre, Finglas, Dublin 

Land Registry – Church 

Street/Hammond Lane 

Dept. Education & Science – 

NEPs Building Punch’s Cross, 

Limerick 

Dept. of Transport – Driving 

Test Centre, Sarsfield Road, 

Cork 

Land Registry Santry – 

Warehouse Facility 

Dept. of Agriculture & Food – 

New District Veterinary 

Office, Drumshanbo, Co. 

Leitrim 

Lansdowne House - 

refurbishment of Core Areas 

Probation & Welfare Service – 

St. Nicholas Church, Cork – 

Refurbishment. 

New OPW Workshop, 

Ballina, Co. Mayo 

Elizabeth Fort, Cork – 

Emergency Works 

Programme, Phase IV 

Johnstown Castle, Co 

Wexford – Roof restoration 

In addition the Office undertook work on a repayment basis for other agencies. Among the completed 

projects were the fit-out of offices in Dublin for fit-out of a premises (part) in Tallaght for the Personal 

Injuries Assessment Board (P.I.A.B.) 

Projects in planning include the, refurbishment of offices for the Adoption Board at Shelbourne House, 

Shelbourne Road, Dublin, fit-out of offices for the Ombudsman for Children at Millennium House, 52 –56 

Great Strand Street, Dublin 1 and a new development for the Environmental Protection Agency in Kilkenny. 

Project Management Services, in their capacity as agents for Teagasc, completed work at Moorepark in 

Fermoy, Co. Cork, a 4m development. 

30

Irish Prison Service Programme 


Irish Prison Service – 

Portlaoise Prison Gate lock 


Portlaoise Prison C Block 

Irish Prison Service 

Construction of bridge to 

Spike Island 


Limerick Prison C Wing 

Decentralisation Programme 


Irish Prison Service, 

Longford 

Sligo – Extension to Pension 

Services Office (Department 

of Social & Family Affairs) 

Defence Forces, Curragh 

Once off building projects 

The Restoration and Development of Nenagh Courthouse, Co Tipperary commenced in May 2004 and is 

scheduled for completion September 2005. The development is valued at 14m 

The Restoration and Development of Tullamore Courthouse, Co Offaly is scheduled to start in April 2005. 

Completion is expected in July 2006. The development is valued at 13.5M. 

The Restoration and Development of Longford Courthouse is scheduled to start in September 2004 and is 

due for completion in December 2005. The development is valued at 9m 

The Restoration and Extension of the Custom House in Cobh, Co. Cork is due to start May 2005 and is 

scheduled for completion in May 2006. The development is valued at approximately 3m. 

The provision of office accommodation for the Department of Education and Science, National Educational 

Psychological Service, Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath was completed in September 2004. The 

project is valued at 2m and the planning application for the civilian development is scheduled for 

submission in May 2005. 

The Schengen Unit, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park is nearly complete and is valued at 3m. 

Ballymun Regeneration: The development of a Garda Divisional Headquarters and Office Accommodation 

for the Department of Social & Family Affairs, the Money Advice & Budgeting Service and the Probation 

and Welfare Service is valued at 20m. The planning notice for the Garda development has been 

submitted and the planning application for the civilian development is scheduled for June 2005. 

31

Dublin Zoo 

The Development of a New Restaurant and Staff Facilities is now completed the works were valued at 4m. 

The extension of the new entrance and environs is valued at 2.6m. Work is scheduled to start in January 

2005 and is due for completion in April 2005. This project marks the completion of the Capital 

Development Programme for 2001 – 2005 at a value of 12.7m 

Coast Guard Stations 

The refurbishment of Ardmore Coast Guard Station and Tramore Coast Guard Station in Co Waterford are 

now complete. Works were also completed for the Coast Guard Station in Rosslare Co Wexford. 

The contract for the construction of a new Coast Guard Station in Bunbeg Co Donegal is being finalised 

and the project is due for completion December 2005. 

A Planning submission is currently being prepared for the development of a Coast Guard Station in Kilkeel 

Co Clare. 

The development of these facilities is valued at approximately 6m 

Leinster House/Oireachtas Programme 

Expenditure on this Programme totalled 9.6m during 2004 

COMPLETED IN PROGRESS PLANNING PERMISSION/TENDER 

Extension to self-service Restaurant 

New Entrance Pavilion Kildare Street 

Fit out of 2 floors of Agriculture House 

for Additional Oireachtas Personnel 

Merrion St.Pavilion 

Phase 1 Refurbishment of Kildare 

House for Oireachtas Personnel 

Phase 2 Kildare House 

New access facility at Kildare St.Gate 

Oireachtas Créche & Fitness Room 

Phase 1 Control Development Plan 

Landscaping of temporary carpark 

Leinster Lawn 

Garda Building Programme 

The OPW has undertaken a very successful Garda Building Programme in recent years. Over the past ten 

years, some 100m has been spent by OPW providing new Garda accommodation and carrying out major 

extensions and refurbishments to existing Garda Stations. In the last two years alone almost 30m has 

been spent. 

The design and construction of these new works is of the highest quality offering Garda personnel 

excellent working conditions and facilities. The brief of requirement is constantly changing and revised 

briefs will soon be implemented to accommodate the rising demand in twenty first century policing. 

32

Projects completed in 2004: 

• Abbeyfeale Area H.Q. Co. Limerick 

• Ballycotton Co. Cork Basic Unit 

• Dundalk District H.Q. Co. Louth. Extension & Refurbishment 

• Garda H.Q. Phoenix Park Dublin 8.- Substations 

• Longwood Garda Station Co. Meath – Basic Unit 

• Templemore Garda District Headquarters Co. Tipperary 

• National Repository, Santry Dublin 9. 

Projects brought on site in 2004: 

• Ballina District H.Q. Co. Mayo 

• Ballyshannon District H.Q. Co. Donegal 

• Bantry District H.Q. Co. Cork 

• New Ross District H.Q. Co Wexford. 

Major Projects coming on stream: 

• Templemore Garda College Co.Tipperary 

- New Facilities block 

- Extension of Dining Hall & Gym 

- Refurbishment of Existing Garda Station and 

• Schengan – Garda Headquarters – 3.5m. Construction has commenced – Completion May 2005 

• Ballymun Garda Divisional Headquarters – 10m – At Planning Stage 

Planning Consultation under Part 9. Completed 

• Carbury/Derrinturn Co. Kildare – Basic Unit 

• Castlerea Garda District Headquarters Co. Roscommon – Extension / Refurbishment 

• Claremorris Garda District H.Q. Co. Mayo- District Headquarters 

• Donard Garda Station Co. Wicklow – Basic Unit 

• Schull Garda Area Headquarters Co. Cork – Area H.Q. 

• Urlingford Garda Station Co. Kilkenny. – Basic Unit 

• Henry St Garda Station. Co Limerick – Extension / Refurbishment. 

• Irishtown Dublin 4 – City Type Garda Station 

• Oranmore, Co. Galway- City Type Garda Station 

• Ballingarry, Co. Limerick- Basic Unit 

33

Cultural Institutions / Heritage Properties 

10.92 m was expended in 2004 

COMPLETED IN PROGRESS IN PLANNING 

James Joyce Exhibition for the National 

Library of Ireland 

National Museum of Ireland, Collins 

Barracks, Riding School Refurbishment 

Repository Building and Tunnel Link for 

the National Library of Ireland 

Restoration of the Palm House, Botanic 

Gardens, Glasnevin 

Refurbishment of 44-45 Merrion 

Square for the Irish Architectural 

Archives & Irish Manuscripts 

Commission 


Barracks, New Central Building 

St Stephen’s Green, Staff Facilities 

JFK Arboretum, New Ross – 

Staff Facilities 

Fire Suppression Works in Marsh’s 

Library 

Security Installation in the National 

Concert Hall 

Carrowmore Visitor Centre, Co Sligo 

New Heritage Council headquarters in 

Kilkenny 

Installation of New Lift in 2/3 Kildare 

Street for National Library 

Garnish Island, Co Cork – Upgrade of 


External Lighting project in the National 

Concert Hall 

Refurbishment of the bars in the 

National Concert Hall 

Fire, Security and Gallery Lighting project 

in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham 

Lisdoonvarna Theatre / Arts Pavilion 

External Signage Project in the National 

Concert Hall 

Conservation and restoration works at 

Marsh’s Library 

Muckross House, Killarney – Disabled 

Access 

Derrynane National Historic Park – 


Refurbishment of National Gallery of 

Ireland, No. 5 South Leinster Street. 

Clara Bog -New Visitor Centre, 

Co Offaly 

Kilafin, Stone Coach House 


Barracks, Military History Exhibition 

Ballycroy, Co Mayo – New Visitor 

Centre 

Garnish Island, Glass Houses, Co Cork 

St Enda’s Museum, Refurbishment 

Connemara National Park – New 

Entrance Pavilion 

Flahive’s Lodge, Glengariff, 

Refurbishment 

Installation of Chiller System in the 

Royal Hospital Kilmainham 

Dinis Cottage, Killarney, Refurbishment 

Refurbishment of the National Gallery 

of Ireland, Lecture Theatre. 

Phoenix Park, Walled Garden – 

Restoration 

34

The OPW Access Programme 

During 2004 the Access Programme supported work to improve accessibility in buildings occupied by the 

Courts Service; Department of Social & Family Affairs; Department of Finance; Department of Education & 

Science; Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government; Department of Community, Rural & 

Gaeltacht Affairs; Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Health & Children; OPW; Office of the 

Comptroller & Auditor General; Central Statistics Office; Office of the Attorney General; Office of the 

Commissioners of Charitable Donations & Bequests; Office of the Revenue Commissioners; Irish Linguistics 

Institute; National Archives; and the Garda Authorities. 

The OPW, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and the Institute for 

Design & Disability, continued to sponsor a touring exhibition, "Design for All", assembled around the 

seven principles of Universal Design as compiled by the Centre for Universal Design, North Carolina State 

University. The exhibition continued to tour in 2004. 

Venues included: 

• The closing conference for the Barcelona Declaration, Royal Hospital Kilmainham. 

• The Young Social Innovators Awards, City West. 

• Killarney Library, Killarney 

• Tralee Library, Tralee 

• Institute of Designers in Ireland’s Design Week, Atrium, OPW, 

• 51 St Stephens Green, Dublin 

Total expenditure in 2004 was 662,000 on 28 projects. 

Special Projects 

"Practical Completion of the 12,500m 2 State Laboratory at Backweston was achieved in Summer 2004 

and a formal handover of the building to the Minister for Finance took place on the 31st August 2004. 

Completion of the adjoining 25,000m 2 Laboratories complex for the Department of Agriculture & 

Food - scheduled for January 2005 - was delayed following the malicious setting of fires in one of the 

Laboratories in mid-September 2004. Contract completion is now due in early May 2005. Total expenditure 

involved on the Backweston complex is in the region of 200m. 

Construction work on the provision of the new 50m/11,000m 2 (approx.) Marine Institute HQ at 

Oranmore, Co. Galway progressed well throughout 2004 and is due for completion at the end of 2005. 

Preparatory work on the provision of the new Central Veterinary Research Farm at Longtown Farm, 

Clane, Co. Kildare to replace the existing facility at Abbotstown, Dublin 15 for the Department of 

Agriculture & Food continued during the year. A Planning Application for the Main Contract comprising 

Administration Buildings, Yards and Sheds covering a total floor area of just in excess of 14,000m 2 was 

submitted to Kildare County Council in December 2004. 

Expressions of Interest were received in January 2004 for the provision via the Design, Build, Finance, 

Operate and Maintain route of a 2,000-seater National Conference Centre. This complex Public Private 

Partnership (PPP) project was advanced substantially during the year to the extent that three consortia were 

selected to proceed to the next stage of the Competition i.e., Invitation to Tender, documents for which 

issued in December 2004. 

35

Under the OPW’s "Transforming State Assets Programme" Planning Approval for the proposed WestGate 

development comprising 83,000m 2 of mixed-use Development at John’s Road/Military Road West, Dublin 

was received in September 2004 following 3rd Party Appeals to An Bord Pleanála of the February 2004 

Planning Permission received from Dublin City Council. [Property Management Division is now dealing with 

the disposal of the property on the open market]. 

The Planning Permission granted on 30th November 2004 for the proposed 52,000m 2 HeustonGate 

development at John’s Road/Military Road East featuring a 32-storey landmark tower building and the 

Exploration Station (formerly called the Children’s Museum), was the subject of Appeals to An Bord 

Pleanála. OPW’s response to the Appeals will be with An Bord Pleanála by early February 2005. 

Planning Permission for a proposed new office development of over 4,000m 2 for the Department of 

Finance at 7-9 Merrion Row/Military Billets i.e., the site of the former National Museum building 

adjoining the Huguenot Cemetery and the Military Billets on the South Road of Government Buildings, was 

received in April 2004. Sanction from the Department of Finance to proceed with the Development 

followed in September 2004. Tender documents for both the Enabling i.e., demolition/drainage Works and 

the Main Contract were in preparation at the end of 2004. This will be a complex project to manage given 

the logistical restrictions imposed by its location on busy Merrion Row, its adjacency to the Huguenot 

Cemetery and the security aspects of the proposed connection to Government Buildings via a tunnel under 

the South Road. 

Design development for the proposed 11,000m 2 (approx.) Food Safety Centre for the Department of 

Agriculture & Food at Backweston continued during the year but was hampered by the fact that the 

Department was unable to finalise its brief of requirements due to the effect of the Decentralisation 

proposals. However, by year-end the design had been developed sufficiently to facilitate a pre-Planning 

meeting with Kildare County Council, who have yet to confirm their availability in that regard. 

Planning Application documents for a generic type office development of 3,500m 2 (approx.) of 

accommodation at 5-7 Merrion Square were completed during the year and a formal instruction to 

lodge the Application was awaited at year-end. 

The Unit continued to act as Technical Advisers to the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism (DAST) 

on the proposed development of a National Stadium. Following completion in December 2003 of an 

assessment of the IRFU/FAI Lansdowne Road Feasibility Study for a new Stadium, the Government decided 

in January 2004 to financially support - to the tune of 191m - the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road 

into a 50,000 all-seater Stadium under the joint sponsorship of the IRFU and FAI. Special Projects Unit 

continued to advise DAST throughout the year regarding the various procurement options being 

considered. In early 2004, a joint venture company - Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company 

Limited (LRSDC) - was established by the IRFU and FAI to procure the Stadium. This Unit has liaised closely 

with LRSDC and DAST on all matters relating to the procurement of Design and Project Management 

services in that connection e.g., documentation, attendance at interviews and evaluation of Consultants’ 

submissions. 

As part of its Decision to support the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, the Government also committed 

itself, as financial resources permit, to the development of a Sports Campus at Abbotstown. The Campus 

is to include medical, research and training support for elite athlete development plus administrative 

facilities for the smaller sports bodies, in addition to a range of other facilities including pitches and 

training grounds. The Campus at Abbotstown is to be procured by Campus and Stadium Ireland 

Development Ltd., (CSID) who commissioned, during 2004, a Development Control Plan (DCP) for the 

entire site. SPU contributed to various aspects of the DCP and the conclusions/recommendations in the 

Development Control Plan are to be considered by Government in early 2005. SPU’s role in relation to the 

Project is to act as Technical Advisors to DAST/CSID. 

36

Total Expenditure by Special Projects Unit in 2004 was 83,998,888.29. 


Relocation of the State 

Laboratory (State Lab) from 

Abbotstown to Backweston 

Relocation of the 

Department of Agriculture & 

Food Laboratories (Agrilabs) 

from Abbotstown to 

Backweston 

Provision of Accommodation 

for the Department of 

Finance at 7-9 Merrion Row 

National Conference Centre 

Relocation of the Marine 

Institute HQ to Galway. 

Proposed WestGate and 

HeustonGate Developments at 

John's Road/Military Rd. sites. 


Food Farm Facility at 

Longtown, Clane, Co. Kildare 

Development at 5-7 Merrion 

Square, Dublin 

Provision of a Permanent 

Food Safety Centre, for the 


Food at Backweston. 

37

Architectural Services 

The architectural practice within the Office of Public Works provides a service of exceptional quality. It 

provides a comprehensive design and project management service for public sector building projects, a 

conservation management and advisory service and offers independent advice to the Government on 

architectural issues. 

By operating closely with the Structural Engineering and Mechanical and Electrical Sections of the 

Engineering Services Business Unit and with the Quantity Surveying Section it offers a full in-house multidisciplinary 

service to its customers. 

Architectural services have developed a reputation for quality and professionalism reflected by the many 

awards achieved. 

The practice has developed a comprehensive management that is ISO 9002 accredited and produces 

annual accounts that consistently show Architectural Services to be operating at a notional surplus. 

Services offered to our customers include: 

• Provision of full design and construction management service 

• Project feasibility studies and reports 

• Development of initial brief 

• Advice on initial building and lifetime costs 

• Advice on planning and building regulation issues 

• Advice on health and safety 

• Advice on conservation methods and procedures 

The practice has a developed expertise in a number of areas: 

• Modern office accommodation 

• Conservation and restoration of heritage properties 

• Prison buildings 

• Garda buildings 

• Public Offices and Government Departments 

• Public access at heritage sites 

38

Project Portfolio 

The extent of work undertaken by Architectural services is indicated by the value of the portfolio of 

projects. For 2004 the work programme contained 441 projects with a combined value of 2.133 billion. 

Throughout the year variations occurred in the planned advancement of certain projects owing to the 

commencement of the Government Decentralisation Programme and to changing priorities of the client. 

Although some 84 projects were added to the programme a number of major projects were also removed 

resulting in an end of year output value of 1.668 billion for 438 projects on hand. 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 

Monitoring and developing a professional competency level is essential in ensuring that project quality and 

service delivery is maintained as well as being a requirement of ISO 9002. An ISO Audit of Architectural 

Services noted that individual staff member’s average annual CPD training stood at 28 hours, which 

exceeded the target of 25 hours. 

The CPD Programme continued in 2004 with training and other events including: 

• Lecture on Designing with Wood and sourcing of Tropical Hardwoods- Rupert Oliver & Ciaran 

O’Connor 

• Lecture on Designing for Sustainability-Roeland Van Elsen 

• Series of lectures and RIAI approved refresher courses for selected staff, on Health and Safety and 

Planning Legislation 

• Series of lectures to individual staff members on Conservation of Historic Interiors. 

• Participation by selected staff at Icomos (International committee on Monuments and sites) 

Conference in Dublin Castle 

• Participation by selected staff at Historic Houses of Ireland Annual Conference. 

• Meetings with the Education Officer of the RIAI to discuss CPD matters of mutual benefit to be 

progressed in the coming year. 

Graduate Training Programme 

• A new joint RIAI/OPW Graduate Training Programme was established in 2004. There are currently 9 

graduates in OPW with capacity for a full compliment of 20 graduates. 

• The training programme provides the experience required for the RIAI/ NUI examination in 

professional practice and during their time with Architectural Services, the graduates have made a 

positive contribution to the design and development of various projects. 

39

Palm House 

Botanic Gardens

Conservation 

The Conservation Unit, in addition to executing major building conservation projects, continued with a 

number of conservation research initiatives, including: 

• Developing a building limestone database with the State Laboratory and the Geological Survey of 

Ireland 

• Conservation research into historic paints under joint agreement with the State Laboratory. 

• Developing a research programme and establishing collaborators to share in undertaking of specific 

practice related subjects: fire safety (historic buildings); stone cantilevers; sculpted and carved 

elements; ironwork 

• The recording and documentation of interventions in Historic Properties and other Protected 

Structures with the School of Architecture, U.C.D. 

Sustainable Development and Universal Access policy 

• The OPW SD+UA Workgroup (Workgroup on Sustainable Design and Universal Access) continues to 

research best practice, methods and standards for Architectural Services 

• The Green Design Audit Checklist, a self-auditing tool, is available on the intranet to assist the 

design process at various stages 

• The Green Team (Partnership Committee Workgroup) was launched in June 2003. The team 

comprises of volunteer members from all divisions of the OPW including regional offices, with the 

intention of achieving more environmentally friendly work practices and a sustainable approach to 

the services provided 

• The Accessibility Audit Checklist is available on the OPW intranet site to assist designers audit 

design to comply with the current statutory building regulations 

• The OPW currently have fifteen qualified access auditors to assist in auditing of buildings within the 

State property portfolio following a request from a Government Department 

• The Design for All Exhibition, presented by the OPW in conjunction with the Department of Justice, 

Equality and Law reform and the Institute of Design and Disability completed its tour in 2004. 

Following its appearance in Malaga, Spain the exhibition traveled to the RHK & City West in Dublin, 

Killarney & Tralee in Kerry and then returned to the Atrium in OPW. 

• During 2004 the SD+UA Workgroup provided assistance and advice in the development of the 

generic output specification to be used in the Government Decentralisation Programme. 

41


With staff drawn from a range of engineering disciplines, this business unit delivers engineering services 

and advice in the civil, mechanical & electrical and hydrometric fields in connection with its own work 

programme and that of other Office of Public Works business units. 

Flood Policy Review 

In September 2004 the Government accepted the recommendations of a report of an inter-departmental 

group established to review national flood policy. The Group recommended that the Office of Public Works 

be the State’s lead agency in relation to this area and be tasked with delivering a multi-faceted programme 

aimed at mitigating future flood risk and impact. Engineering Services will implement the programme over 

a number of years, in conjunction with other state agencies where relevant. The programme includes the 

following major new initiatives: 

• National Flood Hazard Mapping Programme 

• Updating the Flood Studies Report for Ireland 

• A campaign to raise public awareness of flooding issues 

• Provision of guidance in relation to sustainable development 

• Production of a flood defence asset register 

• Development of a flood warning system 

• Development of criteria for designation and prioritisation of channels for future maintenance and 

flood relief measures 

By the end of 2004 progress on implementation of these initiatives was as follows: 

National Flood Hazard Mapping Programme: A contract was placed for Phase I of the Programme. This 

entails (a) collection and verification of available information in relation to past flood events from more 

than 40 Local Authority and other organisations and (b) development of an Internet based system to 

disseminate this information. By year-end collection of material was underway at six source bodies and 

development of the prototype of the website was well advanced. 

Flood Studies Update: Preparation of an implementation plan commenced in conjunction with relevant 

organizations. An Engineer with specialist expertise was recruited on contract to assist in this process. 

Flood Warning System: Contract documents were completed for procurement of meteorological 

equipment that will be used in two pilot warning systems on the Munster Blackwater and the Suir rivers. 

42

Quality Service 

• Mechanical & Electrical Section secured ISO 9001 accreditation in August 2004. 

• All other Engineering Services sections already accredited to the ISO 9001 standard retained that 

status following audits conducted in 2004. 

• Drainage Maintenance Section commenced preparations for seeking accreditation to the ISO 18001 

(Health & Safety) standard. 

• the customer satisfaction-monitoring programme in Drainage Maintenance Division again yielded a 

high satisfaction rating from clients. 

• A programme was developed with a view to seeking accreditation to the Institution of Engineers of 

Ireland Continuing Professional Development training scheme for professional and technical staff. 

The other main activities and outputs in Engineering Services during the year were as follows: 

Drainage Maintenance 

EAST REGION WEST REGION S-W REGION TOTAL 

2003 2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 2003 2004 

Main channels (km) 62 59 203 221 69 123 334 403 

Minor channels (km) 819 869 549 536 552 523 1970 1928 

Bridges repaired 7 35 43 42 51 103 145 180 

Bridges replaced 22 23 26 24 5 6 42 53 

Bridge development 57 131 17 142 33 78 165 351 

applications 

Labourforce 119 120 98 98 73 72 287 291 

(at 31 December) 

Maintenance 4.6 5.9 4.3 4.9 4.4 4.6 13.3 15.4 

expenditure ( m) 

Environmental 

Environmental Drainage Maintenance Programme: This on-going programme to analyse the 

environmental impact of drainage and devise and implement least invasive methods continued with the 

assistance of the Central Fisheries Board. Consultations with Regional Fisheries Board and the National 

Parks & Wildlife Service also continued in relation to the drainage works programme. 

43

Mechanical Engineering 

As part of an ongoing plant management programme, new equipment and vehicles costing 0.7m were 

purchased. 

In addition to output supporting Engineering Services drainage operations e.g. fabricating sluice gates, 

weed-boats etc the Central Engineering Workshops carried out a number of projects for other OPW 

business units and outside bodies including: 

Altamont House Co. Carlow: The railings going down to the River Slaney from the gardens were 

completed during the year. 

Regional Veterinary Offices: Stainless steel laboratory vices fabricated 

Veterinary Office equipment 

Altamont House railings 

44

Hydrology & Hydrometric 

Hydrometric data collection 

At the end of 2004, data was being collected at a total of 347 hydrometric gauging stations throughout 

the country (295 permanent and 52 project-related). 

Requests for hydrological data 

The Section responded to a total of 256 requests for data or information in 2003, 90% of which were 

processed within 7 days of receipt. Data is also being provided via a dedicated Internet site 

(www.opw.ie/hydro/home.asp). 

Gauging equipment 

Arrangements were completed for procurement of sophisticated gauging equipment that will be used in a 

pilot flood warning system. 

Structural Engineering 

This Section expanded in 2004 with the integration of four former Heritage Service (Department of the 

Environment, Heritage and Local Government) staff back into OPW. As a result, the Section’s activities now 

include a number of projects related to heritage properties. This work has been fully integrated into the 

Section’s ISO 9001 Quality Management System. 

New work designed in-house and completed in 2004 included: 

New Garda Stations at New Ross, Co Wexford, Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick; Staff Park facilities in St Stephens 

Green; Entrance Pavilion at Connemara National Park; 

Irish Coastguard Station, Rosslare strand and extensions to Dundalk and Ennistymon Garda Stations 

The throughput of cases in the year can be summarized as follows: 

PROJECT/ACTIVITY NO. ON HAND 1/1/2004 NEW PROJECTS IN 2004 TOTAL NUMBER COMPLETED IN 2004 

Building 27 4 36 11 

Civil Structural 0 7 7 0 

Reports 80 126 206 69 

Heritage related projects included restoration of historic artificial lake at Emo Court; design of 2 

footbridges for Killarney National Park and upgrading of Muckross House sewage treatment plant. 

45

Mechanical and Electrical 

A review was carried out of the operation of the trial contracting out of maintenance works. 

Output is summarized below: 

WORK AREA 

TOTAL VALUE M 

Service Contracts 3.5 

Minor Works /Maintenance 8 

Programmed maintenance work 1.6 

New Works 22 

Advice and Monitoring 90 

Flood Relief Programme 

The OPW programme of Flood Relief Schemes is managed by Engineering Services. The programme has 

been ongoing since 1995 and schemes are carried out in association with the relevant local authorities. 

Works are generally carried out under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, and the Arterial Drainage 

Amendment Act 1995. In recent years some phases of schemes have been carried out by OPW as agents of 

local authorities under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. 

OPW expenditure on Flood Relief Projects amounted to 15.4m in 2004. Construction works continued on 

two areas in 2004: Kilkenny where the scheme is being undertaken under the Arterial Drainage Acts, and 

the River Tolka, which is being undertaken under local authority powers. These two flood relief schemes 

accounted for 80% of the Flood Relief budget in 2004 with 9.7m expended in Kilkenny and 2.75m on 

the River Tolka. 

Kilkenny Scheme 

Works on the River Nore (Kilkenny City) Flood Relief Scheme began in August 2001 and are now practically 

complete. The scheme was designed to provide protection against a flood of such extent that it has a 1% 

probability of occurrence in any year. 

Greensbridge, Kilkenny: 

Downstream view 

46

John’ St. Johns Bridge, 

Kilkenny: Downstream view 

River Tolka 

Works on the River Tolka continued in 2004 in the Dublin City, Fingal and Meath areas. The works were 

carried out by OPW direct labor operating out of the East Region in Trim and included the construction of 

walls and embankments, Removal of Distillery Weir, and the widening of the river in the Dublin City area. 

Works in the Meath area included the replacement of the Maynooth Road bridge, Embankment 

construction and the removal and restoration of the old Castle View Bridge. In Fingal, embankments were 

constructed along the N3 road, in Herbert Road and at the Westpoint Business Park. Further works are 

planned in all 3 areas in 2005. 

Activity on the Flood Relief Programme in 2004 is summarized below. 

SCHEME STATUS EXPENDITURE 

Kilkenny Almost completed 9,711,243 

Tolka (Dublin) Phase 2 complete 1,020,082 

Tolka (Meath) Interim and Phase 1 complete 986,809 

Tolka (Fingal) First Phase of Works complete 717,297 

Clonmel Phase 1 underway 222,218 

Mallow Design of Phase 1 complete. Construction March '05 1,374,019 

Waterford Proposed Scheme Exhibited 51,287 

Carlow Proposed Scheme Exhibited 44,278 

Ennis Design underway. Exhibition April '05 0 

Fermoy Exhibition Autumn '05 60,350 

Templemore Feasibility Study ongoing. Exhibition mid-2005 202,052 

Tullow Feasibility Study ongoing 54,573 

Mornington Exhibition April '05 16,315 

Flood Mapping Project Phase 1 underway 618,264 

Miscellaneous 313,345 

TOTAL 15,392,132 

47

Government Supplies Agency 

Procurement Service 

The Government Supplies Agency (GSA) provides a centralised procurement service in markets that are 

amenable to aggregation, for Government Departments and Offices. These goods and services are 

generally commodity type items available from stable supply markets. They are items that are commonly 

used across the State often in high volumes. 

The value of the goods and services utilised by Client Departments through Government Supply Agency 

contracts was €52,439,340. A breakdown per market is indicated in the following table. 

MARKET VALUE (€) 

Vehicles & Transport Equipment 13,423,651 

Printing and Binding 11,731,965 

Fuels (Liquid ,Gas and Solid) 9,969,035 

Uniforms & Clothing 5,215,448 

Stationery & Office Supplies 5,188,033 

Advertising Services 3,937,264 

Janitorial Supplies 1,693,364 

Public Order Equipment 756,475 

Footwear 314,146 

Personal Protective Equipment 209,959 

Total 52,439,340 

Publications 

The Agency’s Government Publications Service continued to provide access to Government publications 

through our retail outlet in Molesworth Street and on mail order. Sales in 2004 amounted to €1,005,969 

Election Services 

The Government Supplies Agency managed the production of ballot papers for the European Parliament, 

Local Government elections and the referendum on the 27th amendment of the constitution bill 2004 Irish 

Citizenship, in 2004. Election Services continues to work with the Department of the Environment on the 

development and testing of electronic voting systems. 

Iris Oifigiúil 

The Government Supplies Agency publishes Iris Oifigiúil, the Government Gazette, twice each week. An 

internet version of Iris Oifigiúil is also available and can be accessed at www.irisoifigiuil.ie. The addition of 

an on-line advertising placement service was introduced in 2004. 

48

Newgrange

Newgrange


Historic Properties 

With effect from 1 January 2004 operational responsibility for the Built Heritage was transferred to the 

O.P.W. while responsibility for policy matters (including capital funding) remains with the Department of 

the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 

Historic Properties is responsible for the conservation, management, presentation and development of over 

20 Historic Properties comprising Houses, Historic Park and Gardens. These include such flagship properties 

as the Phoenix Park, the National Botanic Gardens, Kilkenny Castle, Castletown House and the JFK 

Arboretum. 

Development work encompasses restoration of historic buildings, provision of improved visitor facilities, 

upgrading and restoration of historic gardens and arboreta and the interpretation and presentation of 

these heritage properties to the public. 

In addition to current expenditure incurred in relation to the staffing and maintenance of these properties, 

capital funding was also provided by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A 

wide ranging programme of small-scale maintenance, improvement, conservation and health and safety 

works, together with the provision of machinery, was funded from the OPW Vote in 2004. 

National Botanic Gardens, Dublin 

The restoration of the Palm House, a unique seven-storey building dating back to the mid-19th century, 

was completed in the spring of 2004 and the building was officially opened by the Taoiseach in May 2004. 

This major project represents the completion of the programme of major infrastructural works set out in 

the Management Plan for the Gardens published in 1992. The two-year project consisted of the faithful 

restoration of the Palm House complex involving the dismantling, repair and re-erection of the glasshouses. 

Improvements included the introduction of a combined new heating, ventilation and misting (humidity 

control) system. The project was funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government and formed part of the current National Development Plan. 

Liffey Valley Regional Park, Lucan 

Lucan Demesne was acquired by the State in 1996 with the objective of establishing a Liffey Valley 

Regional Park which could be extended in the future by the three relevant Local Authorities who agreed to 

co-operatively manage and maintain the site as a single entity and to carry out an agreed programme of 

works for its development. To this end, funding totalling 4.7m., to be allocated over a period of years, 

was approved. The Local Authorities made much progress during 2004 in implementing this programme of 

works. This project was also funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government 

under the current National Development Plan. 

52

Phoenix Park 

Substantial resurfacing works were carried out in 2004 on the main road through the Phoenix Park, 

Chesterfield Avenue. This project was part-funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government. A project for comprehensive renewal of this avenue has been drawn up and will be submitted 

for planning permission shortly. This scheme incorporates a variety of safety features for the benefit of all 

Park users and the objective is to implement the scheme on a phased basis over a number of years. 

Great Blasket Island, Co. Kerry 

As a result of the collapse of An Blascaod Mór National Historic Park Act, 1989, a consultative process 

about the Island’s future was initiated to bring together all Island stakeholders and other relevant parties. 

The three main issues to emerge were those of access, conservation and an acceptable level of 

development. As part of this process a Management Group, comprising of representatives of landowners, 

the Local Authority, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Community Rural and 

Gaeltacht Affairs and O.P.W., was set up. This group made good progress from its first meeting in 2002 

and a draft Management Plan for the Island was completed in September 2004. The majority of 

landowners have already signed up to this Plan. 

Government approval in principle was given in 2002 to expenditure of 8.5m to purchase the holdings on 

the Island, to improve the pier at Dún Chaoin and to build a new pier on the Island and to provide visitor 

facilities (on a small scale). 

The objective was to secure the approval of the Department of the Environment to proceed with the first 

element of the proposals in 2005 viz. to acquire the lands on the Island at a cost of 1.7m. and then to go 

back to Government on the rest of the proposals. However, the D/Environment has now decided to go 

back to Government on the whole package as a first step. 

Emo Court, Co. Laois 

The Country Fair was held in the grounds of Emo Court in 2004 for the first time and was a great success. 

It will take place there again in June 2005. 

Doneraile Court, Co. Cork 

This built heritage property formally transferred from the Department of the Environment to OPW in 

September 2004. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION €000 €000 

2003 2004 

Staffing 7,493 9,751 

Non-Pay Running Costs 3,732 3,605 

Maintenance 3,391 1,637 

Total 14,616 14,993 

Funding for major capital projects is provided from the Vote of the Department of the Environment, Heritage 

and Local Government. 

53

National Monuments 

Financial 

Subhead I2 

16,390,151.92 was expended in 2004 from the I2 Subhead. (Of this, 10,645,634.70 was spent on PAY 

and the remaining 5,744,517.22 was spent on NON-PAY). 

Works/Services for the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government – 

1,211,119.50 was expended in 2004 by OPW National Monuments on works/services on behalf of the 

Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This expenditure relates to the 

installation/upgrading of audio-visual shows and exhibitions at national monument sites in State care; the 

operation of an apprenticeship scheme aimed at building up a skills base in traditional building 

conservation skills; and a number of conservation projects at national monument sites. 

Activities 

Black Mill, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary 

The Black Mill in Roscrea opened to the public during the summer following the completion of a 4-year 

programme of restoration works. The mill has been substantially restored and now houses St. Cronan’s 

Cross, a 12th century high cross that needed to be removed to an indoor environment owing to concerns 

for its preservation. A balcony in the newly restored mill allows viewing of St. Cronan’s Cross from different 

levels. A replica cross was placed on the site of the original cross. The Black Mill is presented to the public 

as part of the Roscrea Heritage complex that also includes Roscrea Castle and Damer House. 

This project was funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. 

Ferns Castle, Co. Wexford 

In July, President Mary McAleese formally opened the Ferns Castle Visitor Centre and Tapestry Exhibition. 

The visitor centre is located adjacent to the castle, which dates from the 13th century. The visitor centre is 

designed in an arc shape to reflect the geometry of the towers of the castle and natural materials such as 

stone, timber and slate were used in its construction. In addition to providing a guide information service, 

the reception building houses the Ferns Tapestry Exhibition consisting of 25 individual panels relating the 

history of Ferns. The tapestry panels were produced by the Ferns Tapestry Group, a local community group 

formed in 1997 whose aim was to depict the history of Ferns through stitchwork. 


54

Scattery Island Visitor Facilities 

In July, Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D., Minister of State, formally opened visitor facilities on Scattery Island, Kilrush, 

Co. Clare. Located some 2.5 km off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastery founded by St. Senan 

in the early part of the 6th century consisting of a round tower and several churches. 

Scattery was finally abandoned in 1978 and was subsequently acquired by the State in 1991 with the 

assistance of Kilrush Town Community Development Ltd., Shannon Development and Clare County 

Council. The new visitor facilities on the island mainly comprise of an existing cottage that has been 

converted to serve as a visitor reception area and information point. Visitors disembarking from the ferry 

can now avail of information at the visitor reception building. In addition a monastic trail has been 

developed that takes in Temple Senan, Senan's Bed, the monastery of St. Senan, Knocknangel and 

Teampall na Marbh. 

The design of the new visitor facilities is mindful of the mood and ambiance of the island and is respectful 

of the island's importance as a national monument. It is hoped that the new visitor facilities will encourage 

more visitors to take the trip out to the island. 


Famine Warhouse 1848, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary 

Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D., Minister of State, officially opened the Famine Warhouse 1848 in July following the 

completion of an extensive conservation and renovation project by OPW. During the Great Famine the 

Warhouse, a substantial two-storey building dating from about 1844, was the scene of the 1848 Rebellion 

by the Young Irelanders. The new permanent State exhibition in the house tells the story of the Famine and 

the Rebellion, and the trial, imprisonment, and penal exile of the leaders in Van Diemen’s Land (now 

Tasmania, Australia). The Rebellion is one of the best documented events in Irish history and eyewitness 

accounts from participants – police rebels and the children who were in the house – have been used 

throughout the exhibition. 

The Famine Warhouse 1848 was purchased by the State in 1998 during the celebrations to mark the 150th 

anniversary of the Rebellion. At the time the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D., described the house as ‘an 

important historic monument and part of our national heritage’ and acknowledged the appropriateness of 

it housing a permanent exhibition. 


Main Guard, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary 

In April Minister Parlon officially opened the Main Chamber of the Main Guard in Clonmel. The restoration 

of the Main Chamber is the final element in the conservation project undertaken by OPW at the 

Mainguard. The Main Guard was built by James Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675 as the courthouse for the 

Palatinate or administrative area of County Tipperary. Subsequently it was used as a barracks and as the 

seat of the assize courts until 1803. From 1810, the building was extensively re-modelled and put to new 

use. The open arch arcade was converted into shops, a basement was excavated and additional floors were 

inserted. The Main Guard was transferred to State care in the 1980s and a major programme of restoration 

was subsequently undertaken funded firstly under the EU Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999 

and then the National Development Plan 2000-2006. 

55

The building is now presented as it was in the 17th century, with an open arcade to the street. Modern 

facilities are provided in a new construction, which accommodates a reception, access stairs and lift, toilets 

and staff facilities to the rear and side. The new exhibition installed in the Main Chamber officially opened 

by Minister Parlon deals with the discovery of the building, the research undertaken in 1990s and the 

conservation and restoration of the building. 

Visitor Services 

A primary function of Heritage Services in OPW is the conservation and presentation of built heritage sites 

that are in its care. Over 700 such sites returned to OPW care with effect from January 2004. In particular, 

the conservation of over 60 of the sites was achieved by the deployment of Guides where it was necessary 

to do so to ensure their conservation or that it was possible for the public to visit the sites safely. The 

permanent Guides cadre was augmented by the recruitment of approximately 300 Guides on a seasonal 

basis. The total fee-paying visitor numbers of 2.098 million in 2004 was testament to the enduring 

popularity of the sites. 

Customer service obligations were fulfilled by conducting surveys of visitors to selected individual sites in 

2004. These surveys confirmed very high satisfaction ratings with regard to the friendliness and helpfulness 

of the Guides and the tours that they provided with ratings in excess of 9.2 out of 10 being achieved at 

many sites. A specific Quality Customer Service Principle requires that OPW takes a proactive approach in 

providing information that is clear, timely and accurate; that is available at all points of contact and meets 

the requirements of people with specific needs. In fulfilment of this requirement in relation to Heritage 

Services, high quality brochures in Irish, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian were produced that 

provided details of the opening times of staffed sites, the facilities provided at them and the admission 

charges payable. These brochures were distributed at the staffed sites and also through the Tourist 

Information Offices network operated by the Regional Tourism Authorities. In addition, information 

regarding the staffed sites was provided on a dedicated promotional website – heritageireland.ie. The 

heritage sites that are managed and presented by OPW Heritage Services play a crucial role in the Irish 

tourism industry. As part of its mission delivery Visitor Services consulted regularly with Fáilte Ireland, 

Tourism Ireland, State Agencies and other stakeholders in the delivery of heritage services and their 

improvement. 

Many commendations were received during 2004 for the high standards of presentation of OPW managed 

heritage sites. One such commendation was the selection of Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre by CIE Tours 

International for an award under its highly renowned National Awards of Excellence 2004. 

56

Ceide Fields

Corporate Services 

Personnel Services 

The Personnel Division in the Office of Public Works provides a support service to a large multi-faceted and 

multi-locational organisation. In 2004 these dimensions were broadened still further when functions 

relating to National Monuments, Historic Properties etc., which had been the responsibility of the 

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, were successfully transferred to OPW. 

Because of the diverse nature of the work carried out by OPW our staff have a wide mix of competencies 

and skills which within a workforce of approximately 2000 means that you can have a drainage channel 

dug to alleviate flooding, the decor of the National Library carefully restored including the ornate 

timberwork of Carlo Cambi or a flower bed seasonally planted in St. Stephen’s Green, amongst many other 

challenging projects and tasks. 

In 2004 the significant challenge for the Personnel Division was to continue to provide the usual range of 

services to this very broad group of staff while dealing with the changes brought by the responsibility of 

the new functions, the organisational challenges arising from decentralisation and the evolving complexity 

of employment law and individual issues. In addition, in 2004 Personnel Services also began taking some of 

the steps to facilitate moving from the traditional role of Personnel to a Human Resource function and 

work was ongoing throughout 2004 with the Policy Unit and the Sub-Group of Partnership to develop a 

Human Resource Strategy for OPW. 

Organisation Unit 

The Organisation Unit, as part of Corporate Services, performs a vital role in the OPW. It provides and 

maintains the IT, telecommunications, and office equipment infrastructure that underpins the activities of 

the rest of the Office. The unit has undergone significant changes in 2004, which will continue in 2005 

with a continued emphasis on performance review and delivery of work targets. 

The Main focus in 2004 was the delivery of the projects and services set out in the Business Plan as 

approved by the IT User group. 

Outlines of key areas of work completed by the Organisation Unit in 2004 are as follows: 

1. Projects & Systems 

Some of the projects undertaken included: 

• Online planning consultation system 

• Flood hazard mapping system 

• EU Presidency system 

• Central registry system for file tracking 

58

2. Services 

The following table gives an indication of the scale of services supplied during 2003: 

DESCRIPTION 

QUANTITY 

Sites supported 120 

PCs & laptops supported 

Servers supported 

Printers supported 

Software applications 

Mobile phone supported 

Photocopiers 

Fax machines 

950 approx 

60 approx 

180 approx 

120 approx 

600 approx 

130 approx 

140 approx 

3. Infrastructure upgrades and improvements 

A number of significant upgrades and improvements were carried out on the Network Infrastructure 

during 2004. In particular, the reintegration of OPW remote sites to the Government VPN (Virtual Private 

Network) and the integration of the former Dúchas sites into the OPW Network. In addition, a major 

upgrade of the OPW phone system was carried out, including the re-introduction of voicemail. 

Peribit data compression devices were deployed throughout the OPW WAN (Wide Area Network) to boost 

network performance. 

4. I.T. Re-structuring of Organisation Unit 

The Organisation Unit was re-structured in 2004 to cater for the additional responsibilities assumed as part 

of the Dúchas integration. The restructuring also aligned the data communications and telephony functions 

in line with trends in the IT industry. In January 2003, consultants prepared a report on the IT function 

within OPW and from this a 10-point Action Plan was produced which set out how the main 

recommendations could be delivered. 

The deliverables on foot of the Action Plan included the formulations of a Project Management 

methodology for IT projects and the creation of a Service Level Agreement for the delivery of IT-related 

services in OPW. 

The Action Plan also included the enhancement of the existing OPW IT Helpdesk to focus more directly and 

immediately on the internal customer. 

The consultants also recommended that the Organisation Unit initiate a programme of IT awareness within 

OPW. The Organisation Unit now regularly publishes information on IT developments on its Intranet site and 

arranges information sessions for staff on new technologies. Similar presentations will be delivered in 2004. 

59

5. Summary 

In summary the work carried out within the Organisation Unit is both extensive and varied, and vital for the 

operation of the OPW. The acquisition of new reporting tools has enabled systems to be analysed and 

potential problems rectified before they become more serious. 

Legal Services Section 

In 2004, Legal Services continued to liaise with the State Claims Agency (SCA) in the reporting of accidents 

and providing follow up documentation in line with the Protocol agreed between the two organizations in 

2002. 

The provision of legal advice to the Office was managed, up to October 2003, by a firm of solicitors on a 

contract basis. At the end of the contract, agreement was reached with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office on 

the provision of the full range of legal services required by OPW. A panel of solicitors was chosen following 

a tender and interview process and a Service Level Agreement on the procedures to be followed by both 

parties was agreed and subsequently signed with the Chief State Solicitors Office. The Service Level 

Agreement provides for the regular review of the service provided. 

Legal Services continued to act as Company Secretary to the two companies acquired by the OPW, 

Colmstock Properties Limited and Public Property Development Limited and commenced the winding up 

process leading to the liquidation of both companies. In addition administrative services to the Barretstown 

Castle Trust and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig are provided by Legal Services. 

Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit 

The efficient and effective handling of FOI requests continued to be a priority during 2004. The total 

number of requests dealt with during the year amounted to 40 and where appropriate, requesters were 

given every assistance with access to records without having to make a formal FOI application. 

The Guide to the Functions, Records, Rules and Practices of the Office, a requirement under Sections 15 

and 16 of the FOI Act which is available on the OPW website, was updated. The FOI Unit section of the 

Intranet has been expanded to include a Decision Maker’s Manual and a guide to the more common 

exemptions used in the course of making a decision on an FOI request. A template decision letter is also 

shown. 

Continuing its commitment to best practice and compliance with the provisions of the FOI Act, the FOI Unit 

is represented at the meetings of the Civil Service Users Network (CSUN) and the Interdepartmental 

Working Group (IDWG). These networks provide a forum for discussion of cases with colleagues from 

other Civil Service Departments and Offices and contribute to the overall development of the FOI ethos. 

To reinforce established practice in the Office, a Protocol on the Management of FOI requests from the 

media was drawn up. This Protocol sets out the framework within which all FOI requests from members of 

the media must be dealt. 

As a result of staff moves and promotions, a decision was taken to appoint additional Decision Makers and 

Internal Reviewers. The Chairman signed a Derogation Order authorizing all staff from the grade of 

Executive Officer upwards to be appointed Decision Makers and all staff of the grade of Higher Executive 

Officer and upwards to be appointed Internal Reviewers. Training will be arranged in 2005. 

60

The following table sets out a summary of the FOI activity during the year. Requests from business groups 

accounted for most of the FOI requests received. 

Total Requests received 40 

Journalists 5 

Business 25 

Members of the Oireachtas 3 

Staff Members 1 

Other 6 

Training Unit 

In 2004 the customised Performance Management and Development System was implemented by nonestablished 

State industrial staff who had received training during the previous year. Training in PMDS was 

delivered to approximately 500 staff in the Heritage area during 2004 and this is now being implemented. 

Among the courses organised by Training Unit were computer courses in Word and Excel at beginner, 

intermediate and advanced levels, Keyboard Skills, AutoCad and Systems Analysis. Communications Skills 

courses included Assertiveness in the workplace, Interview Skills and Presentation Skills. Attendance at 

these courses amounted to approximately 600. 

An Induction Course was held for new entrants and a Retirement Course was attended by 13 retiring 

members of staff. 

Many staff availed of the Refund of Fees Scheme to pursue courses of Higher Education in their own time. 

Accounts Branch 

OPW’s Accounts Branch is responsible for: 

• making authorised payments, principally payroll and contractors claims, 

• recording, managing and accounting for the Office’s financial resources, 

• putting forward, effectively and on time, the Office’s Estimate requirements and managing 

expenditure within the voted allocation, and 

• briefing the Minister and Management Advisory Committee on financial issues. 

During 2004, Accounts Branch was charged with the task of transferring the financial and accounting 

functions of the Heritage Services to OPW. This involved protracted negotiations on funding and detailed 

planning for the seamless integration of the two sets of payroll and accounting systems. It also involved 

implementing the ITP System in the Heritage Services which required the delivery by Accounts Branch of an 

intensive training programme for Heritage staff. 

61

In 2004, Accounts Branch also processed 33,000 ITPs, 12,000 receipts, 6,000 travel claims, 3,500 rents 

payments and paid the salaries and wages of 2,350 staff. In addition, it managed voted and non-voted 

expenditure totalling 537m, receipts of 118m and 41.7m in Local Loans repayments. 

The main project facing Accounts Branch in 2005 will be the implementation of the new Financial 

Management System (FMS) which is the first phase of the Management Information Framework (MIF). A 

Project Team led by Votes Section and including representatives of the Finance Unit and Payroll Section will 

have responsibility within Accounts Branch for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the FMS 

project. It is also planned to implement a complete upgrade of the Corepay payroll system during 2005. 

Management Accounting Service 

The Management Accounting Service was heavily involved in development of the MIF project during the 

course of 2004. Annual and periodic accounts or financial statements were produced in respect of 

Architectural Services, Procurement Services, Farmleigh, Art Management, Financial Services and the 

Central Engineering Workshops. The Management Accounting Service also has responsibility for 

compilation of the OPW Capital Asset Register. 

Internal Audit 

Internal Audit carried out audits of all Business Units and Support Services in 2004. 

An Audit Committee oversees the operation of the internal audit function in the Office. Two of its 

members, including the Chair, are external members. 

Art Management Group 

The OPW Art Management Group has responsibility for the management of art works in the State Art 

Collection that are located in many State properties throughout Ireland. This collection includes 

contemporary and historic art works. In 2004, the Art Management Group continued commissioning and 

purchasing art works for Client Departments under the Government's Per Cent for Art Scheme to 

demonstrate OPW's commitment to a full and effective implementation of the Scheme. 

A major requirement of the Per Cent for Art Scheme is to ensure public engagement with contemporary 

art works. One of the ways OPW undertakes this is through the annual touring Art of the State exhibition. 

In recent years, OPW has worked in co-operation with the Department of Finance and Personnel of 

Northern Ireland, bringing art works purchased by both organisations to a wider audience. 2004’s touring 

exhibition entitled Currents: An exhibition of recent acquisitions featured art works purchased in recent 

years. It travelled to venues throughout Ireland, north and south: the Glebe Gallery, Church Hill, Co. 

Donegal; Birr Technology Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly; Callan Friary, Callan, Co. Kilkenny; Linen Hall Library, 

Belfast; The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh; Wexford Vocational College, Wexford; District 

Council Offices, Limavady, and finally, the atrium space in OPW's Head Office. Paintings and photographs 

shown in the exhibition by OPW had been purchased under the Per Cent for Art Scheme for new building 

projects. They were generously lent to the exhibition by, amongst others, the Department of Social and 

Family Affairs, the Department of Education and Science and the Civil Service Commission. A fully 

illustrated catalogue accompanied the exhibition providing details on each artist and artwork. 

62

As part of the OPW role during the EU Presidency, the Art Management Group managed an exhibition of 

contemporary Irish art in Government Buildings on behalf of the Department of the Taoiseach. Art works 

were lent by the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin City Gallery and the 

State Art Collection. A small exhibition was also organised in Farmleigh of portraits and portrait busts of 

Irish Nobel prize-winners. 

In December 2004, members of the Art Management Group also took part in the Inter-Departmental 

Public Art Coordination Group chaired by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, that led to the 

publication of Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme, General National Guidelines. 

Roscrea Castle 

63

Financial Review2004 

Emo Court, Co. Laois 

Palm House, 

Botanic Gardens

Expenditure Programme 

The table below shows, on a programme basis, all expenditure managed by OPW in 2004 (2003 figures 

are shown for comparison). This involves funds granted directly to OPW via Vote 10; funds administered 

on behalf of the Department of Finance; and expenditure on works and services managed by OPW and 

paid for by other Government Departments or Agencies. 

CAPITAL AND NON CAPITAL PROVISIONAL OUTTURN €000 


1. Property Management Services 

1.1 Purchase of sites and buildings 4,654 7,019 

1.2 Rent, rates etc. 110,461 114,481 

Programme Total 115,115 121,500 

2. Property Maintenance 

2.1 Maintenance, material and supplies 43,410 46,028 

2.2 Fuel, electricity, water, cleaning materials 12,949 13,496 

2.3 President's Household Staff 671 729 


3. Project Management Services 

3.1 Building Programme 297,325 246,896 

3.2 Flood Relief (Including Humanitarian Aid) 20,837 18,421 

3.3 Grant to Zoological Society of Ireland 2,539 2,539 

3.4 Grant to Maynooth College Chapel 0 750 

3.5 Grant to Institute for Ireland, Louvain 750 1,000 

3.6 Grant to Irish Landmark Trust 0 325 


4. Engineering Services 

4.1 Drainage surveys 909 933 

4.2 Maintenance Works - Maintenance 13,815 15,670 

costs of completed schemes 

4.3 Services to the Department of the 50 147 

Marine & Natural Resources 

4.4 Purchase of Engineering plant and machinery 699 764 

4.5 Maintenance of Engineering plant and machinery 1,763 1,935 

4.6 Engineering Works for Department of AHGI 229 78 


65

CAPITAL AND NON CAPITAL PROVISIONAL OUTTURN €000 


5 Government Supplies Agency 

5.1 Printing and Publications 20,132 22,638 

5.2 General Procurement Services 31,324 29,368 


6 Heritage Services1 

6.1 Historic Properties - 21,093 

6.2 National Monuments - 16,390 

6.3 Visitor Services - 668 

Programme Total - 38,151 

7 Corporate Services 

7.1 Salaries, wages and allowances 25,148 30,429 

7.2 Travel and subsistence 1,384 1,783 

7.3 Incidental expenses 815 1,116 

7.4 Postal and telecommunications services 999 1,212 

7.5 Office equipment and other office supplies 2,494 3,170 

7.6 Office premises expenses 869 856 

7.7 Consultancy Services 34 150 


8 Funds Managed by OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance 

8.1 Local Loans 43,575 41,724 


Total Gross Expenditure 637,835 641,808 

This may be reconciled with Vote 10 expenditure as follows: 

Deduct: 

Funds Managed by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance 43,575 41,724 

Works funded by Government Departments 107,340 82,483 

Supplies for Government Departments 60,602 62,882 

Total 426,318 454,719 

The gross allocation on Vote 10 was €458,103,000. Appropriations-in-Aid (receipts) totalled €19,996,841. 

The overall Net saving on the Vote was €3,507,355m. 

1 Certain functions in relation to Built Heritage carried out by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government 

transferred to the Office of Public Works in 2004. 

66

Funding of Programmes 


1 OPW funded 

Vote 10 (Gross) 426,318 454,719 

Total 426,318 454,719 

2 Work funded from the Votes of other Departments 

Construction Works & Services 

Department of Education 12,242 5,790 

Sundry Works 75,002 54,572 

Sundry Rents 5,110 6,920 

Maintenance Works 1 12,686 14,227 

Services to the Department of the Marine & Natural Resources 2 50 147 

Supplies for Government Departments 

Printing and Stationery 16,317 18,511 

Transport vehicles 13,913 13,424 

Furniture 7,280 8,853 

Clothing etc. 9,619 6,495 

Advertising 3,606 3,937 

Energy 10,461 10,796 

General Cleaning Materials etc. 1,656 1,693 

Total 167,942 145,365 

3 Funds managed by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance 

Local Loans 3 43,575 41,724 

Total 4 43,575 41,724 

1. These involve minor maintenance works on State occupied accommodation. 

2. This was for work at Howth Harbour, Castletownbere, Killybegs and Dunmore East. 

3. These funds are managed on behalf of the Department of Finance. They involve the re-coupment of loan payments from local 

authorities twice yearly and early redemption of loans. 

4. In addition, Architectural Services certified the payment of sports grants with a capital value of €89.5m for the Department of Arts 

Sport and Tourism in 2004. 

Note: It is the policy of OPW to process invoices without delay. Since 2/1/98 this Office is operating in accordance with the Prompt 

Payment of Accounts Act,1997. 

67


INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004 


€’000 €’000 €’000 €’000 

Notional Fee Income 1 11,671 10,567 

Expenditure 

Employment Costs 2 5,967 6,075 

Core Support Services 3 1,637 1,714 

Rent 4 662 704 

Insurance 5 350 317 

Depreciation 188 177 

Communications 81 89 

Development Costs 54 76 

IT Running Costs 41 45 

Heat and Light 44 29 

9,024 9,226 

Notional Surplus 6 2,647 1,341 

Notes to the Income and Expenditure Account 

1. Notional fee income. Notional fee income has been calculated using commercial fee scales discounted by 7.5% to reflect current 

market conditions. No adjustment has been made to either: 

(a) reflect any additional discounts which may be allowed to customers to whom long term services over a number of projects are 

provided; or 

(b) reflect any premium which may arise on the provision of specialist services. 

2. Employment Costs. Actual pension and social welfare costs incurred have been increased where appropriate to reflect rates 

payable organisations. No adjustment has been made to base salary levels to reflect current market pay scales or bonus and other 

performance related remuneration. 

3. Core Support Services. Support costs have been allocated on the basis of staff numbers as a percentage of total established staff. 

Pension and social welfare costs incurred have been increased in line with note 2 above. 

4. Rent €’000 

Actual 38 

Notional 666 

Actual rent is allocated based on area occupied as a percentage of total space being rented. Notional rent is calculated at an 

average of €32 per square foot as an approximation of current market rates on similar properties. The notional charge is also 

allocated based on area occupied. 

5. Insurance. Insurance is a notional charge to reflect professional indemnity insurance costs that would be incurred by a private 

sector practice and is calculated based on a percentage (3%) of notional fee income. 

6. Notional Surplus. The notional surplus does not reflect a number of additional costs that may be incurred by an equivalent private 

sector practice but which cannot be estimated with a sufficient degree of accuracy to permit their inclusion in this income and expenditure 

account. These costs include, but are not limited to, legal fees, marketing costs, entertainment and working capital management. 

7. All income and expenditure figures are shown net of VAT. 

68

Barretstown Castle Trust 

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2004 


(12 Months) (9 Months) 

Income 

Interest receivable 1 6,350 6,753 

DIRT Refund 1 1,051 – 

7,401 6,753 

Expenses 

Legal and Accountancy fees 2,146 2,418 

Tax fees Re: DIRT refund – 1,028 

Camper Scholarship Scheme 5,000 3,809 

Barretstown Ball 1,400 – 

8,546 7,255 

Deficit for year (1,145) (502) 

BALLANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2004 

31/12/2003 31/12/2002 

€ € 

Current Assets 

Debtors 3 – 1,548 

Office of Public Works – current account 6 2,831 – 

ACC deposit account 4 257,333 262,832 

260,164 264,380 

Current Liabilities 

Office of Public Works – current account 6 – 465 

Accruals 5 2,926 5,532 

2,926 5,997 

Net Current Assets 257,238 258,383 

Represented by 

Capital Accounts 257,238 258,383 

69

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 DECEMBER 2003 

1. Income 

Interest receivable relates to interest earned on the ACC deposit account. 

2. Expenses 

Under the current lease terms with the Gang Camp, all outgoings including maintenance and repairs of the castle are the 

responsibility of the Gang Camp. 

The Camper Scholarship Scheme payment of €5,000 (2002: €3,809) relates to an undertaking by the trust to renew the 

sponsorship of a child at the camp for five years from 2003, at a total cost of €25,000. 

3. Debtors 31/12/2003 31/12/2002 

Amounts falling due within one year € € 

ESB refund due – 1,548 

The ESB refund relates to payments made in respect of the electricity of the South Gate Lodge after the relocation of the 

O’Donoghue family in October 1998. In 2003, such amounts have been off-set against re-location accruals (see note 5). 

4. ACC Deposit Account 

The balance on the ACC bank deposit account agrees with the bank statement as at 31 December 2003. 

5. Creditors 31/12/2003 31/12/2002 

Amounts falling due within one year € € 

Ernst & Young: 

- Accountancy Fee 2,057 1,908 

- Taxation Fee – 1,028 

General accrual 809 2,539 

ESB 60 57 

2,926 5,532 

The accountancy fee accrual is in respect of the preparation of the financial report for the period ended 31 December 2003. 

6. The OPW current account of €2,831 (2002: €465 credit) relates to amounts owed by the Office of Public Works reflecting the 

current or “suspense” account maintained by the Office of Public Works. 

7. The Office of Public Works (OPW) continues to support Barretstown Castle Trust in respect of expenditure on capital works, wages 

and maintenance. These costs have been accounted for in Government accounts. 

8. The financial statements of Barretstown Castle Trust refer only to the management of the trust. The assets (Barretstown Castle and 

surrounding lands), which the OPW maintains, do not appear in the financial statements of the trust as they were acquired at no cost. 

70

Emo Court

2004 

OPW Awards in 

Rock of Cashel

OPW AWARDS 2004 

PROJECT/DIVISION AWARDS SCHEME CLIENT(S) 

Mechanical and Accreditation for - 

Electrical Section I.S. EN ISO 9001:2000 

Botanic Gardens Royal Institute of Architects of - 

Palm House Restoration Ireland Annual Award 2004 

Botanic Gardens Plan Expo Architecture and - 

Palm House Restoration Construction Heritage Award 

Facilities Management: Service Excellence Award - 

Farmleigh 

From Failte Ireland 

Clonmacnoise CIE Tours International - 

Visitor Centre National Excellence Award 2004 

73


Events in the Atrium 

Newgrange

Exhibitions and Events During 2004 

in the Atrium, 51 St. Stephens Green 

Jan/February 30th – 27th 

Architectural Association of Ireland 

Exhibition of Colombian Biennale of Architecture 

24th March 

Book Launch – "Breaking Ground" Story of William T. Mulvany 

30th March 

EU – Press Conference – Ireland China Government Exchange 

April 5th – 30th 

European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture 

– Miles van der Rohe Award 

May 3rd – 21st 

Mythology Exhibition 

May 24th 

RIAI Annual Awards 

June 1st – 18th 

Lundbeck Art Initiative – Art against Stigma World Tour 

June/July 21st – 12th 

Exhibition by Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia 

August 1st – 31st 

Exhibition by the Fine Art Degree Students of 3rd Year DIT 

September/October 17th – 1st 

Lundbeck Art Initiative 2004 Annual Art Exhibition 

October 9th 

Classical Music Performance – OPW Autumn Classical 

Music Tour in Heritage Houses and Gardens 

November 1st – 14th 

Design for All Exhibition 

December 7th – 7th January ’05 

Art of the State Exhibition "Currents" 

75


Staff and Senior Personnel 

Clonmacnoise 

Minister Parlon, 

Commissioner Clare McGrath, 

John McMahon, Ciarán O’Connor

Staff and Senior Personnel 

OPW staff as at 31 December 2004 

Min of State and Admin 360 

Architectural 152 

Engineering 79 

Other 61 

OPW Grades 1,296 

Total 1,948 

Senior Personnel 

Seán Benton 

Chairman of the Office of Public Works 

Property Services 

Commissioner David Byers 

Project Management Services 

Commissioner Clare McGrath 

Property Management Services 

Tom Costello 

Principal Officer 

Paul Molloy 


Property Maintenance Services 

Des Thorpe 

Head of Maintenance 

Health and Safety Unit 

Kevin Fleming 

Assistant Principal Officer 


Dermot Burke 

Director 


Michael O’Doherty 

Director of Architectural Services 

Liam Egan 

Assistant Principal Architect 

Michael Haugh 


Ciaran O’Connor 


Klaus Unger 


Finbar Wall 


Pat Cooney 


Heywood Gardners 

& Kilkenny National 

Monuments Staff 77


Tony Smyth 

Director of Engineering Services 

Jim O’Sullivan 

Chief Mechanical & Electrical Engineer 

Tom Sherlock 


Tom Bolger 

John Curtin 

John Gallagher 

Assistant Chief Engineers 

Corporate Services 

Vincent Campbell 

Director of Corporate Services 

Personnel & Development Services 

Facilities Management 

Liam Basquille 


Mary Heffernan 

General Manager, Farmleigh 

Tommy O’Shaughnessy 

General Manager, Dublin Castle 

George Moir 

Public Relations Officer 

Lorus Collum 

Eileen Maher 

Employee Assistance Officers 

Financial Services and Government 

Supplies Agency 

Joseph Farrell 


June Thompson 


Organisation Unit, FOI, Legal Services 

Seán Garvey 


Art Management 

Pat Murphy 

Art Advisor 

Jacquie Moore 

Assistant Art Advisor 

78

Office of Public Works 

Head Office 

Office of the Minister of State, 

Office of the Chairman, 

Corporate Services, 

Property Management Services, 

Project Management Services, 

Property Maintenance Services, 

Architectural Services, 

Engineering Services, 

51 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. 

Tel: (01) 647 6000 

LoCall: 1890 213 414 

Main fax No: (01) 661 0747 

Website: www.opw.ie 

E-mail: info@opw.ie 

Government Supplies Agency 

51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 

(01) 647 6000 

LoCall 1890 213 434 

Government Publications Sales Office, 

Sun Alliance House, Molesworth St, Dublin 2 

(01) 679 3515 

Furniture Branch 

Mountshannon Road, Rialto, Dublin 8 

(01) 453 1588 

Building Maintenance Service 

Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 

(01) 702 8811 


6/7 Upper Ely Place, Dublin 2 

(01) 647 6000 

Dún Scéine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2 

(01) 411 7100 

Quantity Surveying Section, 

Professional Accountants 

4 - 5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2 

(01) 647 6000 

Arterial Drainage – Design Section, 

Hydrology & Hydrometric Section, 

Structural Engineering Section 

17-19 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2 

(01) 647 6000 

Financial Services 

Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny 

(056) 7772600 

LoCall 1890 213 424 

Dublin Castle Conference Centre 

Dublin Castle, Dublin 2 

(01) 679 3713 

Farmleigh 

White’s Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15 

(01) 815 5900 

Central Engineering Workshop 

Jamestown Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 

(01) 453 4204 

Arterial Drainage Maintenance 

Newtown, Trim, Co Meath 

(046) 943 1352 

Fairgreen, Ardee, Co Louth 

(041) 685 3256 

Robinstown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath 

(044) 48332 

Ballycraine, Castlebridge, Co Wexford 

(053) 24181 

Drumbear, Cootehill Road, Monaghan 

(047) 83201 

79

Main Street, Headford, Co Galway 

(093) 35456 

Foxford Road, Ballina, Co Mayo, (096) 22065 

Gallows Brae, Lifford, Co Donegal 

(074) 914 1273 

Corrib Sluice Barrage, Sluice House, Galway 

(091) 563 097 

Templemungret House, Mungret, Limerick 

(061) 227 139 

Inch Bridge, Listowel, Co Kerry, (068) 21166 

Connaught Harbour, Portumna, 

Co Galway, (090) 974 1086 

Government Buildings, Spa Road, Tralee, 

Co. Kerry, (066) 24479 

Hydrology & Hydrometric Services 

Barrack Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath 

(090) 649 2918 

Hebron Road, Kilkenny, (056) 777 2641 

Fair Green, Ardee, Co Louth, (041) 685 7992 

Templemungret House, Mungret, Co Limerick 

(061) 227 139 

Foxford road, Ballina, Co Mayo, (096) 22065 

Regional Architectural Offices 

Steward’s House, White’s Road, 

Castleknock, Dublin 15, (01) 812 8122 

Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, (01) 677 6106 

Govt Buildings, St Alphonsus Road, 

Dundalk, Co Louth, (042) 933 4221 

2 Chapel Street, Sligo, (071) 914 2202 

13 Catherine Street, Waterford 

(051) 874 134 

Government Buildings, Portlaoise 

(0502) 21133 

Government Buildings, Arklow, Co Wicklow 

(0402) 32761 

Government Buildings, Anne St, Wexford 

(053) 22470 

14 Old Blackrock Road, Cork, (021) 496 6200 

The Demesne, Killarney, Co Kerry, (064) 31028 

2 Mallow Street, Limerick, (061) 313 500 

Government Offices, Thurles, Co Tipperary 

(0504) 21532 

16 Eyre Square, Galway, (091) 563 016 

Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo 

(094) 902 1331 

Heritage Services Depots 

Athenry Depot, District Works Manager, 

Raheen, Athenry, Co. Galway, (091) 844 084 

Kilkenny Depot, District Works Manager, 

Hebron Road Industrial Estate, Kilkenny 

(056)7721813/1868 

Killarney Depot, District Works Manager, 

Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry 

(064) 33565 

Mallow Depot, District Works Manager, 

Mallow, Co. Cork, (022) 42278 

Dromahair Depot, District Works Manager, 

Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, (071) 916 4186 

Trim Depot, District Works Manager, 

Newtown, Trim, Co. Meath, (046) 943 1452 

Government Offices, High Road, Letterkenny 

(074) 912 1365 

Barrack Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath 

(090) 649 2087 

80

OPW Offices and Heritage Sites 

Glebe House & Gallery 

Newmills Corn & Flax Mills 

Donegal 

Letterkenny 

Lifford 

Donegal Castle 

The Blasket Centre 

Céide Fields 

Aughnanure Castle 

Teach an Phiarsaigh 

(Pearse’s Cottage) 

Ardfert Cathedral 

Gallarus Castle 

Tralee 

Ballina 

Dún Aonghasa 

Killarney 

Sligo 

Carrowmore 

Megalithic Cemetery Sligo Abbey 

Sligo* 

Parke's Castle 

Castlebar 

Ennis Friary 

Headford 

Athenry* 

Athenry Castle 

Boyle Abbey 

Galway 

Portumna Castle 

& Gardens 

Coole 

Portumna 

Limerick 

Scattery Island 

Adare Castle 

Listowel Castle 

Desmond Hall 

Listowel 

Derrynane 

Kerry 

Knockreer 

Ross Castle 

Killarney* 

Ilnacullin (Garinish Island) 

Mayo 

Galway 

Doneraile Park 

Cork 

Dromore Wood 

Clare 

Desmond Castle 

Sligo 

Limerick 

Mallow* 

Roscommon 

Leitrim 

Athlone 

Heywood Gardens 

Tipperary 

Altamont Gardens 

Arklow 

Thurles 

Dunmore Cave 

Carlow 

Kilkenny Kilkenny Castle 

1848 Warhol 

St. Mary’s Church 

Mungret 

Kilkenny 

Rock of Cashel 

Jerpoint Abbey 

Ferns Castle 

Cahir Castle 

The Mainguard 

Wexford 

Wexford Wildfow 

Swiss Cottage 

JFK Arboretum 

Castlebridge 

Dungarvan Castle 

Cork 

Barryscourt Castle 

Fota Arboretum & Gardens 

Charles Fort 

Longford 

Corlea Trackway 

Visitors Centre 

Clonmacnoise 

Roscrea 

Ormond Castle 

Mullingar 

Portlaois 

Drumbear 

Cavan 

Westmeath 

Offaly 

Emo Court 

Laois 

Waterford 

Monaghan 

Trim* 

Trim 

Trim Castle 

Castletown 

Reginald‘s Tower 

Waterford 

Dundalk 

Ardee 

Battle of the Boyne 

Old Bridge Estate 

Maynooth Castle 

Ballyhack Castle 

Meath 

Kildare 

Louth 

Hill of Tara 

Lusk 

Dwyer-McAllister 

Cottage 

Tintern Abbey 

Old Mellifont Abbey 

Brú na Boinne 

Newgrange & Knowth 

Dublin 

Dublin 

Glendalough 

Visitor Centre 

Kilmacurragh 

Wicklow 

OPW Offices 

Heritage Sites 

81

Skellig

Annual Report 2004 - The Office of Public Works

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