The Office of Public Works is a key service provider to Government, managing the State's estate portfolio, maintaining and presenting Ireland's built heritage, and leading the State's flood risk management function. Under the current National Development Plan, the OPW has secured a record allocation of €1.845 billion, encompassing flood risk management, State property management, and the conservation of heritage assets in support of regional tourism. The OPW's capital programme is therefore one of the most geographically distributed and functionally diverse in the public service, with works delivered in every county.
Under Estate Management, the OPW is responsible for the maintenance, refurbishment, and development of government properties, including offices, Garda stations, and other public service buildings. This includes energy efficiency upgrades and compliance with health and safety and climate obligations. New construction and fit-outs are also undertaken to meet evolving service needs, alongside property acquisitions and disposals as required.
Across the OPW estate ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure that public assets remain safe, functional, and efficient. Regular maintenance activities often identify areas where more substantial interventions are needed, leading to planned preventative capital works. These projects are designed to proactively address emerging issues, extend the lifespan of assets, and optimise their performance. By integrating insights from ongoing maintenance into capital planning, the OPW ensures that resources are used effectively and future risks are minimised.
Over the past five years, Estate Management has completed several capital projects in the Galway area, including the refurbishment of Portumna Garda Station, the construction of a new building at Spiddal Garda Station, and two major upgrade projects at Loughrea Garda Station.
Heritage Services projects focus on the conservation, restoration, and presentation of nationally significant sites such as Dun Aonghasa and Portumna Castle. These works include structural repairs, preservation of architectural features, and enhancement of visitor facilities. The OPW’s efforts ensure that heritage assets are protected and accessible, supporting both cultural preservation and regional tourism. Some notable examples of smaller capital projects in recent years are landscaping at Athenry Castle or floodlighting at Dunmore Castle. Please find list attached in tabular form as requested.
Flood Risk Management is another core pillar, with the OPW leading the planning and delivery of flood relief schemes in conjunction with the local authorities. The OPW is working in partnership with both Galway City Council and Galway County Council to advance flood relief schemes. Notable examples include the Galway City (Coirib go Cósta), South Galway (Gort Lowlands), Clifden and Ballinasloe Schemes all currently in development. Over the last five years, the OPW has approved some €1.4 million in funding to Galway City Council and Galway County Council for some 22 projects under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, it is the responsibility of the relevant local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. The Flood Risk Management County Summary provides updates and can be viewed at the following link by selecting Galway: https://www.floodinfo.ie/county-summary/
Should you, Deputy, have a particular capital project in mind or wish to discuss any aspect of our planned preventative works in greater detail, I would welcome the opportunity to engage directly. Please feel free to contact me so we can address your specific interests and ensure your concerns are fully considered.
|
Year
|
Project Name ( Capital works over €0.2m)
|
Status
|
Delivered in line with Budget and timeline
|
|
2021
|
Renmore Department Offices - Fire upgrade and Canteen works
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2022
|
Portumna Garda Station - Refurbishment Works
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2022
|
Ballinasloe Garda Station - Window replacement
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2022
|
Millstreet Garda Station Lighting Upgrade
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2022
|
Renmore Defence Lighting Upgrade
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2023
|
Loughrea Garda Station - Cell upgrade
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2024
|
Spiddal Garda Station - Replacement Building
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2025
|
The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Headford Interim Facility M&E Works Package
|
Completed
|
Retention/Final Account Period
|
|
2025
|
Loughrea Garda Station - Mechanical & Electrical
|
Completed
|
Retention/Final Account Period
|
|
2025
|
Furbo, Government Office – Boiler Upgrade Works
|
Substantial Completion
|
Retention/Final Account Period
|
|
2025
|
Oughterard GS Fabric upgrade works
|
Completed
|
Final Account Stage
|
|
2020-25
|
OPW Portumna Castle - programme of capital works
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
|
2026
|
Dun Aonghasa
|
Completed
|
Yes
|
