The investigation into the overspend on the Leinster House bike shed should not be “personalised” to “any individual”, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said.
While speaking to the media in Dublin this morning, the Taoiseach was asked about the bike shed, which has been the subject of controversy for over a week now after its cost of €336,000 was revealed.
The shed can hold a maximum of 36 bicycles, which are not even fully sheltered from the rain, leading TDs and commentators to argue that the cost was excessive. According to a report by Mark Tighe of the Irish Independent, the Office of Public Works (OPW) spent just €28,800 on a similar bike stand project for Farmleigh House this year – less than 10pc of the cost of the Leinster House project.
Farmleigh bike stand is a steal at €28,800 compared with €336,000 Leinster House shelterhttps://t.co/vE0HCzQeWo
— Mark Tighe (@MarkLTighe) September 8, 2024
In light of this, the Taoiseach was asked how, after more than a week of controversy, the individual who approved the purchase has not yet been identified.
“It’s only looking at expenses, so what is taking so long?” asked one reporter.
The Taoiseach denied that the conclusion of the investigation was taking a long time.
“I’m not sure anything is taking so long,” he said, adding: “I’m not sure when it’s due but I hope it’s due shortly.”
Harris added that “clarity” and “accountability” in the case were “really important,” describing it as a case that had “rightly annoyed people right across the country.” He described the cost of the bike shelter as “quite extraordinary.”
Asked what form this accountability might take, and whether he would be seeking the name of the person who approved the purchase, the Taoiseach replied that “we need to know what the decision making process was in relation to this.”
However, he said: “I don’t mean to personalise it to any individual.”
Similarly, Tánaiste Micheál Martin today denied that finding the details of the purchase was simply a case of making a short phonecall, replying: “No it’s not…It might seem relatively straightforward to you.”
A week after the €336k Leinster House bike shed story emerged, Tánaiste Micheál Martin still doesn't know who approved the project.
— gript (@griptmedia) September 10, 2024
Asked by @Ben_Scallan if it wasn't as simple as making a phonecall, he replied "No it's not...It might seem relatively straightforward to you." pic.twitter.com/B2HNwCulL5