Written answers
Thursday, 13 February 2025
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Office of Public Works
Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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96. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has made a decision with regard to the proposed installation of CCTV cameras at Clare Abbey, County Clare. [4855/25]
Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Clare Abbey, Number 197, is a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works and the protection and security of this and all National Monuments in the care of the OPW are kept under constant review.
The OPW has engaged with Clare County Council, Irish Rail and An Garda Síochána in relation to issues raised by the local community and appreciates the concerns raised in terms of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the site.
As the Deputy is aware, a number of concerns arose in the course of investigating the use of cameras at the site.
OPW does not have the capacity, currently, to monitor CCTV in real-time at National Monuments or provide an immediate response if something is picked up by a camera.
The State does not own any land outside the Abbey Walls so cannot install a camera pole on land which is not in ownership. It is considered that there are significant archaeological considerations that would need to be addressed before OPW would be permitted to install cameras on the walls of the Abbey or indeed in the area of where there are burials. Any project would require the agreement and Ministerial Consent of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as appropriate to proceed.
While there are wireless and solar cameras available, such cameras are of a low resolution and may not be adequate to clearly identify people if the need arose. Wireless cameras operate over the mobile phone network which would pose issues of security. There are no power or other services available on site. While the issue of broadband could be dealt with wirelessly, underground ducting to provide power would need to be installed and this would involve crossing third party property. There are challenges associated with introducing a supply to the site given that the nearest electricity source is approximately a kilometre away.
Despite the challenges presented to OPW in relation to the installation of CCTV as a stand-alone agency, it is happy to contribute to any part of a multi-agency approach, it is suggested, encompassing the Local Authority, An Garda Síochána and Irish Rail.
There is a caretaker appointed for the site who has established a strong relationship with stakeholders in Ennis and I understand that the incidents of anti-social behaviour at the site have reduced since this engagement.
The OPW staff will continue to maintain Clare Abbey as it is obliged to do under legislation and I hope that this gives support to the very strong community group in the area who do great work and should be commended for their dedication to their town.
The OPW recognises that the Deputy has raised this issue previously and my officials are available to meet with you at the site to view and discuss the issues. It can also be arranged for relevant stakeholders to be in attendance.
Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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97. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on recent matters related to the OPW and value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5062/25]
Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The OPW endeavours to ensure best value for money outcomes on all projects under its management. All contracts are subject to approval, monitoring and audit to ensure that value for money is being achieved throughout the procurement and delivery process.
The OPW follows public procurement best practice in respect of the large spend under its remit. This includes:
- utilisation of the Office of Government Procurement framework agreements, as well as establishing its own frameworks, to achieve the most economic outcomes to drive cost savings. These are advertised in eTenders.ie.
- following the Public Spending Code (Infrastructure Guidelines) to ensure the necessary project appraisals are conducted.
The purpose of this guidance is to support efficient and effective project delivery, within budget, and in alignment with OPW’s strategic objectives and in support of Programme for Government priorities. This guidance will further enhance effective and timely project management adhering to governance and compliance standards and supporting the oversight of these projects.
The guidance will be regularly reviewed to ensure its relevance and alignment with OPW’s evolving needs. I am advised that the guidance will be finalised and in place within the next four to five weeks.
The OPW discloses all non-compliant procurement in its annual accounts to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) every year. The total figures are published annually.
The OPW endeavours to be compliant with the public procurement framework, but as with all public bodies, circumstances can arise where procurement is not fully in line with procurement guidelines. For example, a building contract may have to be extended in order to finish works, or a security services contract may need to remain in place.
The OPW is committed to improving procurement compliance and efficiency and has taken steps to rectify where possible disclosed issues to ensure future compliance.
The OPW is achieving greater levels of procurement compliance. The OPW recently advertised a new Regional Building Contractors Framework for Building Maintenance and Small Building Works on etenders. Responses received are currently being evaluated with a view to having the Framework in place by the end of quarter 1 2025. This will improve compliance and ensure value for money in the procurement of the works involved, as well as offering opportunities to regionally based SME’s throughout Ireland.
A number of the previously identified instances of non-compliant procurement have been addressed through re-tendering compliantly for services involved.
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