Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

The publication of the internal audit report by the OPW, following the review of projects costing €500,000 and under is welcome. It follows a commitment to learn from the bike shelter project and presents the internal audit findings, control recommendations and management response. The OPW has accepted and is actively implementing all the recommendations within the report. The internal audit report enables us to focus on continuing to strengthen ways of working across the OPW. The OPW takes a structured approach to delivering value for money across both the capital and current expenditure programmes, with the capital expenditure programme grounded in principles and requirements of infrastructure guidelines and adherence with the capital works management framework. The capital works management framework aims to deliver cost certainty, better value for money, and more efficient project delivery. This is achieved through standardised contracts, guidance notes and a structured approach to project management. The OPW follows this policy instrument to deliver a compliant tender process and construction projects, ensuring that projects achieve value for money, are delivered in an efficient manner and meet the needs of the Government and our clients across the system. In addition, guidance on capital works projects with an estimated value of less than €500,000 has been developed. This new guidance covers approval and oversight for smaller capital works projects and will further strengthen our project oversight, regardless of project size.

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