The Irish Department of Infrastructure has had to remove an engraved sign outside the building after it was pointed out that it misspells the word “infrastructure”.
Notably, the Department’s functions include delivering large-scale infrastructure projects such as road networks, wastewater treatment facilities, and more.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation recently erected a new metal engraved sign outside its headquarters on Merrion Street by Government Buildings.
However, in a blunder that was noticed last week by social media users, it read “Department of Public Expenditure, Infastructure [sic], Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.”
Repeatedly asked for comment on this by Gript, the Department refused to issue any statement or explanation on the matter. However, the sign was subsequently taken down and is no longer visible outside the building.
According to the Department website, one of the organisation’s primary goals is “to create more open and accountable public bodies that apply resources efficiently”.
It is currently unknown how much was spent on the sign, because the Department has refused to comment or issue a statement on the matter to date.
Users online were quick to mock and ridicule the mistake.
“You couldn’t make it up,” said one Facebook commenter.
“More waste due to incompetence,” said another.
“Surely to God someone proof read this…” said a third.
Other users questioned how much the project cost, with one person adding: “Nothing more taxpayers’ money can’t fix.”
Another person joked that it is “probably costing as much as a bike shed,” referring to the infamous Leinster House bike shed that cost over €330,000 and became a months-long media fiasco highlighting State waste and spending inefficiency.