annual report 2001
Cover: Interior view National Museum of Country Life Inside back cover: Roof at Bishop’s Square
Foreword from Minister of State
The year 2001 has again seen the Office of Public Works (OPW) providing the highest quality services to Government in terms of Property, Construction and Procurement. The Office undertook a vast range of projects during 2001, indicating how it can break new ground in terms of project managing a broad scope of work.
Last year, for the first time since heritage functions were transferred from the OPW to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, the Board of the Office of Public Works was restored to its full complement. In March, David Byers was appointed to the position of Commissioner and joined the Chairman, Brian (Barry) Murphy and Commissioner Seán Benton as a Board member. Taking responsibility for the management and development of the Office’s property portfolio and the maintenance of all OPW properties, Commissioner Byers has brought a new vision, not to mention a wealth of experience, to the role.
As I have acknowledged in previous years, the OPW continues to carry out a full range of wonderful projects. One of the highlights for me during 2001 was the restoration of Farmleigh. Since its opening on 28 July, Farmleigh has played host to a number of foreign delegations and more than 35,000 visitors have enjoyed guided tours of the house. Not surprisingly, Farmleigh was awarded the Construction Excellence Award in the Restoration and Conservation category.
But 2001 also brought a number of challenges, both expected and unexpected. Early in the year the foot-and-mouth crisis brought many of our activities to an abrupt halt and I commend all those involved in the efforts to eradicate the disease. I have no doubt that this Office’s quick response throughout the country greatly assisted the fight against foot-and-mouth disease. The Euro Changeover brought challenges throughout the organisation. I do not think, however, that it could have been executed more smoothly and again I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all concerned.
Finally, I would like to thank all the staff of the Office of Public Works for everything they have achieved over the past twelve months and wish you all a successful 2002.
Martin Cullen, TD Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works
Réamhrá ón
Aire Stáit
Arís sa bhliain 2001 chuir Oifig na nOibreacha
Poiblí (OOP) seirbhísí ardchaighdeáin ar fáil
don Rialtas, seirbhísí a bhaineann le Maoin, Foirgníocht agus Soláthar. Thug an Oifig faoi
raon leathan tionscadal le linn 2001, rud a léirigh arís an chaoi ar féidir léi talamh nua a threabhadh ó thaobh bhainistíocht tionscadal a dhéanamh ar raon leathan oibre.
Don chéad uair ó aistríodh na feidhmeanna
oidhreachta ón OOP chuig an Roinn Ealaíon
Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oileán, bhí líon iomlán comhaltaí ar Bhord an OPW arís i 2001.
I mí Márta ceapadh David Byers i bpost
Coimisinéara agus ghlac seisean áit ar Bhord Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí i dteannta an Chathaoirligh Brian (Barry) Murphy agus an
Choimisinéara Seán Benton. Agus é ag glacadh freagrachta as bainistíocht agus as forbairt phunann maoine na hOifige agus as chothabháil mhaoin iomlán an OPW thug an Coimisinéir
Byers fís nua chuig an ról gan trácht ar an saibhreas taithí oibre a thug sé leis.
Mar a thug mé le fios sna blianta roimhe seo, tá an OOP ag leanúint de bheith ag plé le réimse leathan tionscadal iontach. Ceann de na buaicphointí, dar liomsa, in 2001 ba ea an obair athchóirithe a rinneadh ar Farmleigh. Ó osclaíodh é ar an 28 Iúil, tá roinnt toscaireachtaí eachtrannacha tagtha chuig Farmleigh agus bhain os cionn 35,000 turasóir tairbhe as turais threoraithe an tí. Ní hionadh ar bith é gur bronnadh Gradam Scothobair Thógála, sa chatagóir Athchóiriú agus Caomhnú, ar Farmleigh.
Ach tháinig dúshláin chun cinn freisin i 2001, cinn a rabhthas ag súil leo agus cinn eile a tháinig gan choinne. Cuireadh stop tobann le go leor dár ngníomhaíochtaí i dtús na bliana de bharr an Ghalair Crúb agus Béil agus molaim gach duine a bhí páirteach sna hiarrachtaí deireadh a chur leis an ngalar. Níl amhras ar bith orm ach gur chuidigh an freagra luath ón Oifig seo ar fud na tíre leis an gcomhrac in aghaidh an Ghalair Crúb is Béil. Thug an tAthrú go dtí an Euro dúshláin chun cinn ar fud na heagraíochta. Is iontach chomh réidh agus a cuireadh an tAthrú igcrích. Arís ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt don obair a rinne gach duine a raibh baint acu leis an iarracht seo.
Ar deireadh, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghlacadh le foireann Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí as gach rud atá bainte amach acu sa dá mhí dhéag atá imithe agus guím gach rath oraibh i 2002.
Martin Cullen, T.D.
Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Airgeadais le freagracht speisialta i leith Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Foreword from Chairman
I am happy to present the Annual Report of the Office of Public Works for the year 2001.
The primary function of this Report is to present and summarise the activities of the Office of Public Works over the past year. It also outlines the considerable diversity of the work undertaken by this organisation, and displays its readiness to respond successfully to a great variety of requirements. Innovative practices are seen here to be applied in work processes, and best management practice affirmed.
The report thus demonstrates that the considerable changes already wrought in the organisation of the Office of Public Works, together with those which continue to be effected, have resulted in the Office delivering a manifestly better service.
The Office is capable of further development along this path towards commercially minded responses to tasks and goals set by Government and by the agencies carrying out Government policies who choose the OPW to act for them. The ultimate aim is to give better service to the public. We now have the ability and the experience, born of our work over the past several years, to adapt to the changing circumstances that will inevitably face us in the years ahead.
I am confident, having reviewed the progress that we have made, and looking at the service excellence demonstrated in this Annual Report, that we will continue to deliver fully on our mandate.
Brian (Barry) Murphy Chairman The Office of Public Works
Réamhrá ón gCathaoirleach
Tá an-áthas orm Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí don bhliain 2001 a chur i láthair.
Is é príomhfheidhm na tuarascála seo gníomhaíochtaí na hOifige le bliain anuas a chur i láthair agus achoimre a dhéanamh orthu.
Léiríonn an Tuarascáil seo freisin éagsúlacht réimse oibre na hOifige seo agus chomh toilteanach agus atá an Oifig tabhairt faoi líon mór riachtanais éagsúla a chomhlíonadh go sásúil. Is léir go bhfuil cleachtais nuálacha á gcur i bhfeidhm i bpróisis oibre agus go bhfuil sárchleachtais bhainistíochta á ndeimhniú.
Mar sin, léiríonn an Tuarascáil seo go bhfuil an Oifig ag seachadadh seirbhís den scoth de thoradh na n-athruithe suntasacha atá curtha i bhfeidhm nó fós á gcur i bhfeidhm san eagraíocht.
Tá ar chumas na hOifige leanúint ag forbairt sa treo seo chun freagairt níos mó ar bhonn tráchtála do thascanna agus do spriocanna a leagann an Rialtas síos agus na gníomhaireachtaí a roghnaíonn an Oifig le gníomhú thar a gceann chun polasaithe Rialtais a chur i bhfeidhm. Is í an aidhm sa deireadh thiar ná seirbhís níos fearr a
thabhairt don phobal. Tá an taithí againn anois agus tá sé ar ár gcumas, de bharr na hoibre atá déanta againn le roinnt blianta, dul in oiriúint do na cúinsí athraitheacha atá romhainn go cinnte sna blianta atá le teacht.
Tá mé cinnte, tar éis athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta againn agus ag breathnú ar an tseirbhís den scoth atá léirithe sa Tuarascáil Bhliantúil seo, go leanfaimid de bheith ag comhlíonadh ár gcúraimí.
Brian (Barry) Murphy
Cathaoirleach
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Strategic Review
Statement of Strategy
The OPW published its Statement of Strategy in June 1998 in fulfilment of its statutory obligations under the Public Service Management Act, 1997.
In accordance with Section 4 (i) (b) of the Public Service Management Act, this section of the Annual Report assesses the progress made against strategic targets during 2001. This assessment will address these issues under the six broad headings identified in the Strategy.
Front row L to R: Tony Smyth – Director of Engineering Services, Brian (Barry) Murphy – Chairman, Commissioner David Byers. Back row L to R: Vincent Campbell – Director of Corporate Services, Commissioner Sean Benton, Michael O'Doherty – Director of Architectural Services.
1. Quality Customer Service
The elements under this heading which were identified under the Strategy are:
a) The production of Customer Service Action Plans
b) The achievement of ISO 9002 Accreditation by the business units
c) The development of Service Level Agreements with Customer Departments and Offices
d) The implementation of Customer Service Training programmes for all business units
a) Customer Service Action Plans
Work is ongoing on the development of up-todate Action Plans in a number of areas. It is intended that these Plans will be organic in nature and that they will change continuously to reflect the evolving needs of the customer base and the developing work practices and systems which will emerge from the application of ISO 9002.
To date, Action Plans have been produced by the Government Supplies Agency, Project Management Services and the Property Maintenance Service.
b) ISO 9002 Accreditation
Work continued throughout the year in various Business Units on the measures necessary to achieve ISO 9002 Accreditation.
The following areas achieved ISO 9002 Accreditation in 2001:
•Architectural Services
•Hydrometric Section, Engineering Services
•Structures Section, Engineering Services
c) The development of Service Level Agreements with Customer Departments and Offices
Work is ongoing in this area.
d) Customer Service Training Programme
Delivery of Customer Service Training proceeded throughout the year, with training being undertaken by 45 staff from the following Business Units:
•Property Management Services
•Corporate Services (Personnel and Development Services, Training Unit and Library)
2.Performance Measurement
The main themes identified in the Strategy Statement relating to this area are:
•Preparation of accounts
•Benchmarking of performance against other similar organisations
a) Preparation of Accounts
Work continued throughout 2001 on the refinement of the principles enunciated in the Accounting Protocols published in 1999. This will result in annual accounts which reflect a fuller and more accurate picture of the performance of the various Business Units and, ultimately, of the Office as a whole.
b)Benchmarking
Work has continued throughout 2001 to identify suitable benchmarking partners and strategies.
Actual benchmarking exercises are being put in place following completion of these preparatory measures.
3.Organisation and Support Services
In the Annual Report for the year 2000, the initiatives required to provide for a sustained renewal and replenishment of organisational supports for the Office were set out. In particular, that Report outlined the measures to be put in place by management on foot of a number of issues, including matters which reflected the conclusions of the Farrell Grant Sparks Review. These measures, which were designed to reflect the strategic aims set out earlier, formed the basis for a number of key initiatives by management throughout 2001 and were cascaded throughout the Business Units.
The following progress in respect of these measures was achieved during the year:
•The second Commissioner post to strengthen the delivery of the Property Management service was filled.
•The Corporate Services function, headed by a Director, centralised all of the key support functions into one area.
•The use of corporate structures to deliver on specific projects was pioneered by the acquisition by the OPW of two companies, Colmstock and Deepriver.
•Preliminary steps were undertaken to explore the use of corporatised entities in the Accommodation Programme.
•Specific proposals for a Public Private Partnership to be undertaken by the Office were investigated.
•Facilities Management Unit, Legal Services Section and a Policy Unit were established.
•Progress was achieved in some areas in the use of atypical employment arrangements for the delivery of particular initiatives and projects.
4. Staff Training and Development
Action on a number of initiatives relevant to this theme progressed throughout the year, including:
a)Performance Management and Development System.
Carr Communications were contracted to provide support for the development of PMDS.
b)Staff Development Programmes.
The development of modern promotional systems, designed to streamline career development of staff, continued throughout the year in respect of certain administrative grades.
5. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
A key organisational development during the year was the establishment of an IT User Group which comprises representatives of the Business Units and is chaired by a Commissioner. This group will facilitate a more strategic approach to the development and delivery of ICT systems within the Office and it will also ensure that ICT developments are driven by business objectives.
6.Information Society Initiatives
In the past year an e-strategy has been developed which sets out how the OPW will migrate to electronic service delivery.
Operations Review 2001
Property Management Services
Dublin Disposals 1 January – 31 December 2001
LocationDateSquare
Warehouse, Airport 08/06/011811.99-Justice, Equality €191,859.65 Business Park, Cloghran& Law Reform
Total:1811.99- €191,859.65
Provincial Acquisitions 1st January – 31 December 2001
LocationDateSquare
Wicklow Town, The Murrough01/01/0197218Various
Athlone Connaught St 6201/01/0180.86-Arts, Heritage, €11,046.72 Gaeltacht & the Islands
Terryglass Garda01/01/0183.65-Justice, Equality €9,142.11 & Law Reform
Sligo John ST 51A Census01/01/01120.82-Central
Dunmanway Census01/01/0165-Central
Dundalk Francis Street Census01/01/0182.62-Central
Wexford. Paul Quay 15/01/01-45Various €45,600.00 Car Park 1
Cork George’s Quay Census18/01/01176.58-Central
Naas Corbans Lane Census 25/01/0129.74-Central
Boyle Elphin Street01/02/0159.30-Social Community €7,923.17 & Family Affairs
Castlerea, The Square01/02/0129.00-Arts, Heritage, €6,602.64 Gaeltacht & the Islands
Cavan Farnham St 701/02/0137.18-Education &
Tralee, The Monastery18/02/01527.7012Education
Cork Ballincollig21/02/0127.891Arts, Heritage, €6,551.85 Gaeltacht & the Islands
Castleisland Church St Gda 01/03/0177.05-Justice, Equality & €6,602.64 Co. KerryLaw Reform
Galway Ross House 01/04/0152.79-Education
€13,205.28 Ground Floor
Provincial Acquisitions 1st January – 31 December 2001 (continued from previous page)
LocationDateSquare Car Department Rent Per MetresParking Annum Spaces
Killybegs, Donegal Road07/05/01226.96-Social, Community & Family Affairs €68,733.46
Cahir The Mill Church St.11/06/0121.84-Marine & Natural €3,885.40 Resources
Galway Victoria Place15/06/01422.87- Education & Science €155,520.06
Sligo Bridge Street, 01/08/01799.26-Social, Community & Family
Waterford Marina Hotel CPK01/08/01-51Revenue, Education €50,138.22 & Science
Galway Upr Abbeygate St01/09/01181.23-Probation & €61,342.32 Welfare Service
Waterford Parnell Street03/09/01111.53-Health & €25,394.76 Safety Authority
Waterford Thomas St Car Park01/10/01-15Agriculture & Food €20,569.76
Killarney, Main St08/10/0122.97-Education & Science €6,602.64
Bantry Bridge St Temp GS01/11/01178.00-Justice, Equality & €27934.24 Law Reform
Cork Carrolls Quay Car Park 20/11/01-61Revenue €60,414.14
Total:4470.49203 €1,019,118.01
Provincial Disposals 1st January 2001 – 31st December 2001
LocationDateSquare Car Department Rent Per MetresParking Annum Spaces
Wicklow The Arches, Main St,31/01/0128-Arts, Heritage, €3,656.85 Gaeltacht & the Islands
Wicklow The Mall16/05/0142.75-Revenue €5,612.24
Wicklow Govt. Offices, 01/06/0139.04-Social Community €13,840.15 Marlton Rd& Family Affairs
Kilrush Vandeleur Centre31/08/0119.24-Arts, Heritage, €4,951.85 Gaeltacht & the Islands
Wicklow Abbey St. 17/10/0157.25-Agriculture & Food €5,942.37
Total:186.28- €34,003.46
OPW Policy on Property Purchases
In recent years the OPW has pursued a policy of availing of suitable opportunities that arise, (a) to purchase strategic properties and (b) to acquire the freehold in properties held under long or onerous leases. Specific target properties are being identified on an ongoing basis.
The following criteria are used in targeting buildings for acquisition:
• Those held under long leases
Site and Office Purchases 2001
• Those held under leases with onerous covenants
• High rental properties whose rents are likely to increase substantially in future reviews
• Buildings on whose refurbishment the OPW has spent, or plans to spend, substantially
• Buildings required for long term use
• Properties of strategic value to the OPW, because of their development potential, or the possibility of their later marriage to other buildings
Market Analysis
There was a general slowdown in the Irish property market in 2001, particularly in office accommodation. The sellers’ and landlords’ market of the last few years was increasingly displaced by a buyers’ and tenants’ one. The weakening demand for property became more noticeable after September 11 and coincided with significant increasing availability in suburban office parks.
Accordingly the OPW positioned itself strategically through the year to take best advantage of the changing circumstances and to respond to a consistent level of demand from Government departments and new services. This is reflected in the value for money achieved in the purchasing, leasing and rent review outcomes and in the proactive and efficient management of the OPW’s portfolio.
Rental Market
The OPW’s overall takeup represented just under a quarter of the overall Dublin market activity in 2001 and over two-thirds of the entire public sector involvement in that market last year.
The OPW capitalised on its market strength in the market to secure very favourable leasing terms.
The rental market came under pressure during 2001. Prime Dublin rents shifted downward from €545 per sq. m. to €520 per sq. m. Nearly 160,000 sq. m. was signed in 2001, down over 4% on 2000.
Market involvement by the OPW included:
PropertySq. m.Rent (per sq.m.)
SIAC Building3,084 €211.83
City Square2,718 €327.98
Bishops Square8,624 €375.88
Phoenix House6,968 €375.88
Capel St1,972 €375.88
Abbey St7,281 €410.00
Rent Reviews
It is the policy of the OPW to seek to conclude rent reviews by way of a negotiated process, based on comparative rental data. The prevailing market rents being paid on properties similar in nature and location to those under rent review
Bishops Square
Bishops Square
are studied and analysed by OPW valuers. This comparative analysis generates a benchmark rental range. A similar analysis is carried out independently by the landlord’s agents for the same purpose. In the light of the results on the analyses, negotiations then take place between the OPW and the landlord and, normally, these lead to a new, revised rent being agreed.
In the event of a failure to agree a revised rent by negotiation, it is OPW policy to refer the case to third party adjudication.
The outcome of reviews in 2001 was in line with market evidence through the year and averaged a rate of €297 per sq. m. for second generation space in Dublin City. The main rent review outcomes in 2001 were: PropertyNew
St. John’s House
Townsend St 157/164
School Site Acquisitions
Since January 2000, the Property Management Service of the OPW has been undertaking the acquisition of sites for primary and post-primary schools all over the country on behalf of the Department of Education and Science.
A complete service to the Department is provided, covering site selection, technical
advice, valuation, negotiation and conveyancing. By the end of 2001 over 60 acquisition cases had been referred to the OPW. Those acquisitions at contract stage represent a potential outlay of c.€7.5m.
Accommodation for Asylum Seekers
The OPW is providing a range of services in support of the Government’s accommodation programme for asylum seekers which is managed by the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. These services include technical advice and support and procurement services for the Agency. In practical terms this means that the OPW purchases buildings, renovates rented buildings and also constructs new buildings. The day-to-day operation of these facilities is carried out by management companies who are contracted by the Agency.
During 2001 the OPW continued to source modular de-mountable system-built accommodation for erection at sites listed below. The centres referred to are the first of their kind in Ireland and demonstrate the OPW’s flexibility and expertise in imaginative use of the latest building technology.
Two centres were developed through 2001 using system-building:
Knockalisheen, Co Clare400 €8.5m Cork Airport Hotel450 €7.6m
New Business Relationship with Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO)
Recently, in line with the OPW’s commerciallyminded approach to service delivery and the wish of the Chief State Solicitor to develop modern legal services in the CSSO, Property Management Services and the CSSO have established a more structured business relationship which focuses on the setting of objectives, prioritisation of cases and the monitoring of progress in completing property transactions.
Council of State Room, Áras an UachtaráinCollins Barracks
Facilities Management
Facilities Management provides a range of services in a number of properties. While the nature of the service may vary depending on the character of the property, it typically includes energy management, grounds and buildings maintenance, security, waste management and management of events within the buildings and in the grounds.
Dublin Castle
Guided tours of the State Apartments are provided daily all year round. During 2001, 154,972 people visited the State Apartments, participating in 7,500 individual guided tours. Dublin Castle also hosted 504 events during the year at which there was a total in excess of 500,000 attendees.
Farmleigh
A guided tour service is provided at Farmleigh for organised tours of the House. From the date of opening some 100 groups have been facilitated. Public events included the Official Opening with a concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and two weekends of performances by the National Concert Orchestra. On the Christmas Open Days, 1, 2, 15, and 16 December 2001, guided tours were provided of the House, which had been decorated in Victorian Christmas style. A total of 35000 visitors visited Farmleigh between 28 July and 31 December 2001.
Áras an Uachtaráin
A guided tour of Áras an Uachtaráin, the Residence of the President of Ireland, is provided
on Saturdays from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. During the year approximately 10,000 visitors visited Áras an Uachtaráin on the Saturday tour. Another 12,000 people have visited the Áras by invitation or attended one of the many receptions held throughout the year
The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham (RHK)
Facilities Management expanded its operations during the year to provide event management services on an agency basis at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. Arrangements were put in place in late November and five events have been hosted. The RHK houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art which attracted 261,214 visitors during the year.
The Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK)
Department of Finance
A facilities management company was contracted to provide under the direction of the OPW all aspects of building services, from cleaning contracts to ongoing maintenance work and minor capital projects, at the Department of Finance, Merrion Square. This is a trial contract and will be reviewed to ascertain the effectiveness and costs of this type of service.
Exhibitions in the Atrium, 51 St. Stephen’s Green
January Sacred Places: 2000 Years of Irish Church Architecture.
August Mies van der Rohe Award, 2001.
SeptemberLundbeck Art Exhibition.
October North Thomond Church Silver Exhibition.
Mid-OctoberNight of Theatre.
NovemberInstitute of Designers in Ireland.
The National Museum of Ireland, Kildare StreetThe National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street (detail)
Property Maintenance Services
1 This table shows expenditure on contract work managed by Property Maintenance Services, excluding Health & Safety works
Reorganisation of the Property Maintenance Service
Arrangements were put in place in 2001 to facilitate the following:
•The introduction of measured term contracts which are seen as a key goal in the development of a structured maintenance service for the State property portfolio. This system of handling work enables client Departments to order work through a centralised help desk and is handled on site through contracted labour. It is intended to have these contracts ready for rollout by mid2002.
•The reorganisation of the Building Maintenance Service (BMS) which is a key factor in the new arrangements to provide a dedicated workforce in the Dublin area to deal with the State’s substantial stock of heritage properties. BMS will operate from its new headquarters at Rialto, Dublin and will, in effect, manage these properties insofar as ongoing maintenance and minor capital works are concerned.
•Greater autonomy in OPW Regional Offices in running minor capital projects and ongoing maintenance works within their region. The scope of the work in the offices will be expanded to cater for a more broadly based service.
Health and Safety Unit
The main activity of the OPW's Health and Safety Unit during 2001 concerned the national asbestos management programme. The Unit is carrying out a systematic survey of all public buildings in the State, including major facilities such as Farmleigh, Government offices, Garda stations, heritage buildings, schools and military establishments.
During 2001 approximately 800 buildings were surveyed to determine the location, type, form and condition of any asbestos present. This brings the total since the Unit was established in 1998 to about 2,500 or nearly 50% of State buildings. During the year some 250 individual works contracts were undertaken. The works involved a wide range of individual items from the replacement of small boiler flues to extensive
areas of thermal insulation and the complete refurbishment of school ceilings or roofs.
The Unit also provides an in-house service on matters relating to general health and safety and general guidelines and assistance on other health and safety works in State buildings.
A number of Court cases arising from asbestos were processed during the year. All new cases are now being handled by the State Claims Agency.
In the year 2001 the revision of the Safety Statements required under health and safety legislation for each OPW-occupied building was concluded for a number of locations and the new Statements should be ready for circulation early in 2002.
Project Management Services
Project Management Services, with the assistance of the OPW’s Architectural and Engineering Services and such private sector Professional disciplines as may be required, manages the delivery of new construction, refurbishment, conservation and major maintenance projects on behalf of the OPW and its clients/customers.
Project Management Services articulates, in detail, the clients/customers brief of
Major Programmes
requirements in order to assist in delivering on time and within budget the clients/customers requirements to the highest Architectural and Engineering standards, in compliance with Government and EU Procurement procedures.
Delivery of the clients/customers requirements involves managing the development of tender documentation, assembly and appointment of the Design Team, securing necessary planning permission, selecting contractors, overseeing progress on site and managing the costs of the projects.
Agriculture Programme: The ongoing Programme of works to various offices anticipates a total expenditure of €5m of which €3,896,826 was spent in 2001.
Office Refurbishment/Fit Out: Total cost of the Programme is approximately €15m of which €3,354,648 was spent in 2001.
Office Rationalisation Programme (incl. Major Projects): The Programme for the major fit-out of entire buildings envisaged a total spend of some €105,734,104; the outturn for 2001 was €38,238,162
Dúchas Programme/Cultural Institutions: The estimated cost of projects comprehended by this Programme is €443,331,000 of which €19,374,933 was expended in 2001.
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
Refurbishment of Farmleigh HouseRefurbishment of Waterford Collins Barracks, Block 14, Government Offices, The Glenfor the NMI
Legal Aid Board new HQ offices in Grange EU Food and VeterinaryRestoration of the Palm House, Caherciveen, Co. Kerry.Office, Co. MeathBotanic Gardens, Glasnevin
Refurbishment of the former Refurbishment of 4 Kildare St.Central Block/East Wing, NMI National College of Art and Design for the NLI the refurbishment of building for use by the the East Wing and Central Block National Library of Ireland (NLI) of the NLI
Cleaning of the stonework on the Works on fire safety andNew Waterways Regional Kildare Street side of the NLI accommodation rationalisation Headquarters, Scarriff, Co. Clare at the NCH
Turlough Park House, Improvements to the stage
The National Museum of lighting at the NCH Country Life, Castlebar, Co. Mayo,
Other Major Developments
(continued from previous page)
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
Visitor Facility Maynooth Castle, Restoration of St. Stephens Green Co. Kildareperimeter paths
Works to the Terrace Restaurant National Gallery of Ireland –at the National Concert HallMillennium Wing nearing completion
Installation of emergency lighting at Marsh’s Library
Resurfacing, drainage of the courtyard at the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK)
For the NMI at Collins BarracksWorks on the North/East and North/West links - Block 15 - Coins and Medals Exhibition and at Kildare Street – Medieval Exhibition
Left: Collins Barracks Right: National Gallery of Ireland, Millennium Wing
Left: La Pieta
Right: National Concert Hall, Auditorium
Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs Programme
Expenditure in 2001 was €4,752,630 and the overall cost of the programme is €61,380,408
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
Blanchardstown, Dublin. Office fit-outArklow, Co. Wicklow. Goldsmith House, Dublin Refurbishment and extension
Finglas, Dublin. Office fit-outNorthside Civic Centre at Con Colbert House, Dublin Coolock, Dublin, to provide accommodation for a number of State, voluntary and community organisations
Listowel, Co. Kerry. Office fit-outDungloe, Co. DonegalSligo offices. Extension Office fit-out
Bishop’s Square, DublinNavan, Co. Meath Office fit-out
Longford office. Refurbishment
Left & Right: Blanchardstown Social Welfare Local Office
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform Prisons Programme
The elements of the year 2000 Programme in hand is €205m of which €8,160,662 was spent in 2001.
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
Cork Prison Phase I (Wall)
Castlerea Prison,
Cork Prison Phase II
Construction of a new wallCo. RoscommonJuvenile detention centre courthouse outside the prison pre-release centre, medical, catering, grounds grove project within educational and training, services, the prison recreation, visitor and administration facilities part of walled car-park
Limerick Prison
Limerick Prison
Replacement of C Wing and Construction of new women’s unit conversion of E Wing for use as half-way house pre-release unit women’s accommodation
Mountjoy Prison
Construction of (1) a new gatelock and (2) a new shower and laundry unit
Portlaoise Prison
Provision of new Gatelock
Ballyfermot Garda StationBray Garda Station
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Garda Building Programme
The value of work on hand annually is €25m of which €16,236,140 was spent in 2001.
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
Accommodation in Talbot Clifden Garda District HQBallinrobe Garda Area HQ Premises, Santry, Dublin
Extensions/refurbishment at Cobh Garda District HQBallymore Garda Station Templemore Garda College
Bray Garda District HQKilmacthomas Garda District HQBlanchardstown Drugs Unit
Ballyfermot Garda District HQKilrush Garda District HQTemplemore Garda District HQ
Castlecomer Garda Area HQThomastown Garda District HQBantry Garda District HQ
Dunshaughlin District HQTourmakeady Garda StationBallyshannon Garda District HQ and Courthouse
Tullamore District HQTralee Garda Divisional HQ
Waterville District HQTallaght Garda Divisional HQ
Clondalkin District HQ
Templemore Garda College
Court Service Programme
Expenditure in 2001 was €7,073,711(£5,571,000) and the overall cost of the programme is €72,905,597
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
Kilrush Courthouse, Co. ClarePhoenix House, Youghal, Co. Cork Dublin Ground Floor Fit-out for use as court accommodation
Phoenix House, Dublin
Áras Ui Dhalaigh, Dublin (Part of the Four Courts complex)
Westport Courthouse, Co. Mayo Phase 2Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick
Swinford, Co. Mayo
Westport, Co. Mayo
East Wing (Four Courts) Navan, Co. Meath
Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Thurles, Co. Tipperary
Leinster House Programme of Works
The current Programme of works totals €25m of which €10,207,424 was spent in 2001.
CompletedIn ProgressIn Planning
New LH2000 building fullyElectronic Voting in Dail ChamberUnderground Car Park and completed including Landscaping Project new Committee Rooms, Coffee Dock, New Press Reception Area
SPECIAL PROJECTS PROGRAMME
This Programme if implemented in full would incur expenditure in excess of €644,000,000 of which €6,502,329 was spent in 2001.
*This excludes the cost of the Sports Campus Ireland project €550,000,000 and the Aquatic and Leisure Centre €48,900,000.
In Planning
Architectural Competition for Waterford North Quays
Provision of Accommodation for the Department of Finance at 7/9 Merrion Row, Dublin
Transfer of State Laboratory and the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Laboratories from Abbotstown, Dublin 15, to Backweston, Co. Kildare
Assessment of Development Potential of sites at John’s Road/Military Road (part joint ownership with eircom),
Relocation of Marine Institute from Abbotstown to Galway
Provision of Food Safety Centre for Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at Backweston, Co. Kildare
Provision of Animal Compounds etc., on Farm at Longtown, Clane, Co. Kildare for Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
International Programme
Expenditure in 2001 was €6,983,560 and the overall cost of the programme is €28,657,419.00
In ProgressIn Planning
Restoration and completion of the Island of Ireland Refurbishment of the Irish College at Leuven, Peace Park at Messines, BelgiumBelgium
Refurbishment of the Irish College, ParisRefurbishment of St. Isidore’s College, Rome
Refurbishment of the Pontifical Irish College, RomeFunding was provided to the Pontifical Irish College in Rome in support of a continuing programme of refurbishment and maintenance
(left) St. Isidore's College, Rome
(right) Irish College, Paris
Dublin Zoo Programme
In 2001 the Taoiseach approved a further five-year capital development programme for Dublin Zoo at a cost of €12,697,381. Expenditure in 2001 was €2,538,206.
Dublin ZOO Entrance Building
Dublin ZOO Entrance Building
The OPW Access Programme
The Access Programme has included many buildings with a high public profile, such as Apollo House, Gardiner Street and Kilbarrack
Social Welfare local offices, Dolphin House (Family Courts) and Iveagh House (Department of Foreign Affairs).
The 2001 works programme has been the most successful to date with a total spend of nearly €1.4m which breaks down among the various Departments as follows:
Sports Council
Dublin Castle
Government Buildings
Finance
Foreign Affairs
Revenue Commissioners
Ordnance Survey
Environment
Áras an Uachtaráin
Health
Social, Community & Family Affairs
Total
€4,072
€5,240
€13,266
€21,922
€22,943
€28,116
€78,265
€178,618
€273,436
€319,450
€417,205
€1,362,533
The buildings in the 2001 programme included the Social Welfare offices at Ballyfermot and Ballymun, the ENFO office at Andrew Street, Dublin, the computer building and public shop at the Ordnance Survey Offices, Phoenix Park, and Joyce House, Dublin. This latter building has a high public profile as it houses the General Register Office for births, deaths and marriages.
During 2001 the OPW undertook an access survey of all buildings within its portfolio nationwide. In all over 4,000 properties were surveyed. The results of the survey are currently being analysed and will form the basis for a programme of priority works.
Flood Relief Programme
The programme of Flood Relief Schemes is managed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Amendment Act (1995). It consists mainly of urban flood relief schemes which are carried out on behalf of local authorities. The programme has grown substantially in the past few years in response to demands from local authorities and increased incidences of flooding. The value of projects in the programme at year end was approx €300 million.
Progress in 2001
Schemes Completed
•Bandon River, Dunmanway, for Cork Co. Council
•Maam Valley, for Galway Co. Council
•Hazelhatch, for Kildare Co. Council
Schemes in progress
•Carrick-on-Suir, for Tipperary Co. Council
•Kilkenny City, for Kilkenny Corporation and Co. Council
Schemes in planning
Potential schemes in Carlow town and in Clonmel were placed on public exhibition during the year. Preparatory work in preparation for public exhibition was advanced for schemes in Waterford City (Johns River) and Cregaclare, Co. Galway.
Blanchardstown
Support to local authorities
In addition to the above schemes which OPW manages under the 1995 Act, a great deal of work is carried out in providing support and advice to local authorities in their response to flooding events. This can take the form of technical advice, co-funding of technical studies, Environmental Impact Statement’s, or co-funding of works carried out by the local authority itself. Examples which were progressed during the year are:
•Development of a brief and funding of major study of Tolka River for Dublin Corporation, Fingal Co. Council, Meath Co. Council
•EU competition for appointment of consultants to study flood relief measures at Mallow and Fermoy, Co. Cork
•Funding of report by the UDC on flooding in Ennis
In addition to the above, support and/or funding was provided to local authorities in relation to other locations in counties Carlow, Cork, Clare, Kildare, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Meath, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow and South Dublin.
Quantity Surveying Cost Norms
In 1992 basic cost norms were set for the various building types commonly procured by the OPW. Simultaneously, a procedure was introduced that would provide a standard approach to and presentation of estimates (‘yellow form’). The norms and procedures are an aid to forecasting and controlling cost.
Because of the wide variation in unit cost between buildings of the same type, importance is attached to (i) for Orders of Cost (initial estimates), identifying and allowing for abnormals (e.g. a difficult site) and (ii) basing the Contract Budget (at completion of sketch design) on a thorough estimate and following normal cost control procedures thereafter.
The basic norms and ancillary allowances are reviewed from time to time, currently quarterly. Reviews take into account not only past and anticipated movement in tender levels but also changes in standards (e.g. higher insulation), legislation (e.g. health and safety) and on-going cost research. The cost norm movement in the illustration is the average for the more typical buildings.
Tender Price Movement
OPW Cost Norm Movement
Architectural Services
Architectural service for OPW projects are provided from within the OPW’s Architectural Services and augmented by outsourcing partial services or by employing consultant architects.
Formal Professional Development
A formal professional development work group was established in 2001 and a full programme of courses and seminars was drawn up to start in January 2002. The programme is planned to maintain core and specialised professional competencies at the highest level.
Graduate Training Programme
The OPW is committed to supporting the Government’s architectural policies, and a
programme of graduate training continues. Practical experience gained under this scheme affords the graduates an early opportunity of taking the RIAI / UCD. Professional Practice examinations. Eight graduates have completed the course fifteen are presently on the course.
Conservation
The Conservation Unit, in addition to executing major building conservation projects, continued with a number of conservation research initiatives, including:
• Developing a building stone database in conjunction with the State Laboratory
• Conservation research
• Continuing investigation into the provenance of stone; mortars and renders; paints, under joint agreement with the State Laboratory.
• Participating with British Research Establishment (BRE) in research into older reinforced concrete structures.
• Developing a research programme of specific practice-related subjects viz: fire safety (historic buildings) and accessibility; timber as structure; stone cantilevers; sculpted and carved elements; historic gardens/landscapes, and establishing collaborators to share in the undertakings.
Sustainability
Conforming with Government policy on Sustainable Development, the design of new buildings and upgrading of old are now subject to examination in line with a Green Auditing system introduced into the practice in 2001. Energy conservation through efficient energy sources, effective insulation and minimal fresh water consumption, are some of the more obvious targets to be met.
Consultants’ Selection Handbook
The revised version of the Handbook was issued in September 2001 and its requirements are being implemented in Architectural Services. It outlines the protocols within the OPW for seeking the appointment of consultants, and the procedures for maintaining lists of, and appointing consultants on a competitive basis.
Top Left: Michael Davitt Museum, Co Mayo. Bottom Left: Food and Veterinary Office, Grange, Co. Meath.
Right: Interior of Michael Davitt Museum, Co Mayo.
Engineering Services
Features of this business unit’s activities during 2001 included:
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Engineering Services contributed to the national effort to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease by:
• providing personnel and equipment to assist in the disposal of animal carcasses in the Cooley peninsula
• supplying and equipping temporary office accommodation in Ardee for use in the operation of checkpoints in the Louth area
• supplying mats and disinfectant at State buildings and facilities in many areas
• making OPW personnel available to regional veterinary offices
• devising and implementing a specific protocol to supplement that issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Drainage Maintenance
The 2001 programme was seriously disrupted because of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. Despite the suspension of operations between March and mid-May, the favourable weather at the end of the year allowed a substantial part of lost production to be recovered. The number of applications processed for developments affecting drainage reflects increasing awareness of the potential impact on flood risk. Output is summarised below.
Channels maintained (km)8197436455285334561,9971,727
Bridges repaired/replaced 744855514059169158
Embankments maintained (km)-- 11 18181919
Numbers employed at 1st Jan11411992997071276289
Maintenance expenditure (€m) 4.24.33.34.02.73.710.212.0 Development applications
processed
Shinkeen Stream (Hazelhatch) Drainage Scheme
Plant Fleet Upgrading
The Service continued its ongoing plant replacement programme, spending €1.2m on new plant and equipment.
Central Engineering Services
The Workshops continued to service drainage maintenance operations and other clients. They also undertook prestige projects such as railings at Dublin Zoo, St. Stephen’s Green and Altamont House.
Flood Hazard Mapping Programme
A programme to produce maps of areas of the country at risk from flooding was commenced. During 2001 maps detailing the extent of
flooding along the Shannon corridor in January 2000 were issued to local authorities and digitisation of the OPW’s, existing damaged land maps began.
Hydrology and Hydrometric Section
This section received 375 requests for data, 96% of which were responded to within 7 days of receipt.
Structural Section
This section continued to provide an advisory, design and monitoring service. Prestige projects completed included Custom House, Galway, and Burren Display Centre, Kilfenora, Co. Clare. The throughput of cases is shown below.
Project/ActivityNo. on handNew projectsTotalNo. completed at 1/1/2001in 2001in 2001
Valuation Section
This section had 107 cases of claims for compensation from landowners and also provided valuation and title research services in relation to four OPW Flood Relief schemes. The Section also provided advice to Duchás, the Heritage Service, and Waterways Ireland.
Mechanical and Electrical Section
This section is currently re-focussing its activities towards providing project advisory, design and monitoring services. Its activities in 2001 are summarised below.
Work AreaM & E works value
Maintenance
€3.8m
Minor works €11.4m
New Works €13.9m
Monitoring
€40m
Energy Conservation
In many large buildings in the OPW portfolio, energy usage is monitored on a continuous basis. This includes practically all the buildings for which the OPW has a direct responsibility for the energy consumption.
Though the system uses the most up-to date technology, the principles applied are essentially very simple. Systems in the buildings used to provide comfortable conditions are set locally to avoid waste. Actual energy consumption data is monitored in a special computer-based system where the analysed data is used to advise the building managers on possible savings.
The normal saving expected with this approach is 10-20%. In the case of the OPW buildings, these savings have been recorded in cases where useful
comparable data has been available. One detailed examination of the data showed a saving of 16% in what had been a well-run building even before the new technology wasapplied.
The advantage of this system is that, as it constantly monitors usage, the savings recur each year. This is more efficient than intervening improvements followed by regression.
The same service is available to many of the buildings managed by other departments. Practical advice is available from the Energy Conservation unit within Mechanical and Electrical services in the OPW.
Government Supplies Agency
A total of 85 organisations, including Government departments and offices, State agencies and other public sector bodies, utilise contracts of the Government Supplies Agency.
Turnover
The total turnover during 2001 on contracts placed by the Government Supplies Agency was € 60,431,000. This comprised
€ 32,414,000 on drawdown contracts, and € 28,017,000 on individual contracts. The following table gives a breakdown of the turnover by product/service type.
Benchmarking
The Government Supplies Agency has researched practices in a number of enterprises, both public and private, in order to establish standards for benchmarking its procurement service.
Two approaches have been identified. One measures actual performance against operational guidelines developed to reflect best practice. The other is based on assessment of the cost of the procurement service as a proportion of the total procurement spend. For 2001, the cost of the GSA’s procurement service has been 1.74% of total spend.
Conference Suite commissioned by Furniture Branch
Corporate Services
Personnel, Development and Organisational Services
A review of the Personnel function and responsibilities took place, resulting in a streamlining and redefining of the personnel operation. A new combined staff and organisation chart was published on the intranet and is now updated on an ongoing basis.
Financial Services Division
Financial Services successfully managed OPW’s preparations for and changeover to the Euro. Corepay, the new computerised system for the payment of salaries and wages, was introduced successfully in 2001.
Internal Audit
Internal Audit maintained a proactive policy of independent audits throughout the Office, ensuring a high level of compliance with standards and procedures.
Training Unit
The Training Unit over the past year has continued to implement the training programme developed following the Training Needs Analysis carried out in 1997.
Legal Services Section
In 2001, the Legal Services Section continued the process begun the previous year of managing the provision of legal services in the Office.
The management of legal services was contracted out to a firm of solicitors. Areas covered included commercial and other property transactions, commercial/construction contracts, planning, health and safety, EU/national procurement, employment and litigation.
Freedom of Information Unit
The OPW conducts its business in an open and transparent manner. It therefore attempts to make information available outside the formal procedures of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, subject to the general scope of exemptions in the Act, if this is the preferred option of the person seeking the information.
On 23 July 2001, the Chairman appointed an additional thirteen Decision Makers and five Internal Reviewers, all of whom attended in 2001 the appropriate training course organised by the Centre for Management and Organisation Development (CMOD).
In addition, the OPW developed a new automated tracking system covering all requests for information under the Act. This system will facilitate more efficient and proactive management of requests within the Office.
The following table gives details of the practical and proactive approach the Office has adopted to the administration of requests received under Freedom of Information activity under this heading during the year:
21/04/98 to 31/12/012267217265732535822615
Total rec'd in 200175174020268121762104 Total Applications Received Requests Granted Requests Part Granted Requests Refused Requests Transferred Requests Withdrawn or Handled outside FOI No of requests dealt with Live Cases Internal Reviews (received) Appeals to Information Commrs. Personal Non-personal
TotalJournalistsBusinessMembers of OireachtasStaffOthers 22686483980 7537180119
FOI Statistics for year 2001 – summary: Live cases at beginning of year 2001 = 3
Requests received during 2001 = 75
Live cases at end of 2001 = 2
No. of requests dealt with during 2001 = 76
The OPW LIbrary
The Library was recently extended to house the OPW architectural plans and drawings collection and considerable progress in cataloguing them was made in the course of 2001.
Another major new area of responsibility was the Library at Farmleigh. This houses two collections, a selection of 1300 books of Irish interest which were purchased and placed on open shelves for the enjoyment of guests staying in Farmleigh, and the very fine Guinness collection which is on loan to the State and is kept under conditions of the strictest security.
A librarian is now based in Farmleigh and scholars may request permission to consult material in their particular area of interest.
The facilities of the OPW Library were highly commended by ISO auditors at the time of recommending the Architectural Services Practice for ISO 9001 Accreditation.
Art Management
The furnishing of Farmleigh with works of art was an important task early in the year. A suitable collection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture - contemporary and historic
Farmleigh Library
- was assembled by the Art Management Group.
Two exceptional eighteenth-century paintings were loaned by the National Gallery of Ireland to Farmleigh: an idyllic classical landscape by George Barret, RA (c. 1728 - 1784) and a shipwreck scene attributed to Claude Joseph Vernet (1714 - 1789). These paintings had been donated to the State in 2001 under the Relief for Donations of Heritage Items Scheme.
A large scale equestrian painting of Arkle by Nicola Russell was also donated to Farmleigh while a sculpture by internationally renowned sculptor, Tony Cragg, was located in the gardens.
The Group continued to manage the Episodes from the Passion series of paintings by Hughie O'Donoghue. Study for a figure was loaned to the Irish Institute at Florence.
Two important portrait commissions were placed in 2001: James Hanley, RHA, was commissioned to paint the portrait of An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and Joe Dunne completed the portrait of President Mary McAleese.
Apart from purchasing art under the per cent for art scheme, the Art Management Group undertakes to acquire works of special historical significance or works with a particular connection to public-owned buildings.
The portraits of the first Surveyor-General of Ireland, Colonel Thomas Eyre, and his wife Anne, dated 1750, were purchased at auction. Eyre was responsible for the completion of the North Range at Dublin Castle.
Colonel Thomas EyreAnne Eyre
Art of the State Exhibition
The exhibition featured works of art from the collections managed by the Department of Finance and Personnel, Northern Ireland and the OPW.
From Past to Present, Art of the State 2002, Touring Exhibition
5 - 22 September
Dráiocht, Centre for the Arts, Blanchardstown Centre
27 September - 20 October
The Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
27 October - 4 November
Wexford Vocational College, Westgate, Wexford
8 November - 4 December
Enniskillen Castle Museum, Co. Fermanagh
6 December - 6 January 2002
Coleraine Town Hall, Co. Londonderry
11 January - 29 January 2002
Atrium, OPW Head Office, 51, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
Commissioned Art works installed in 2001
LocationArtistMedium
Agriculture House, Kildare StreetMartina GalvinMixed media
Ardfert CathedralFergus JohnstonMusic
Link 51/52 St. Stephen’s GreenMarie FoleySculpture
Paula MeehanPoem
Templemore Garda StationBridget FlanneryPainting
Hugh LoriganSculpture
Brian DugganSculpture
Tullamore Garda StationCathy CarmenSculpture
Bray Garda StationOrla de Brí Sculpture
Linda BrunkerSculpture
Iveagh CourtBenedict ByrneSculpture
Asylum Seekers Residence, Knockalisheen, ClareFiona WoodsArtist-in-Residence
Clondalkin Garda StationColm BrennanSculpture
Templemore Garda College, Hugh Lorigan
LOCATIONARTISTMEDIUM
Galway Custom HouseAnna McLeodSculpture
Portlaoise Prison Training CentreJohn O’ConnorMixed media Dept of Education, Marlborough SquareLinda BrunkerSculpture
Tralee Ship CanalAlex PentaxSculpture
Ballyfermot Garda StationJohn CampionMixed media
Commissions
The Art Management Group continued its commitment to commissioning works of art under the per cent for art scheme. Commissions for art works costing over €20,000 are managed by selection panels that comprise the Design Team Leader, the Project Architect, the Client
Department, representatives from the Arts Council and an artists representative body, such as the Artists Association of Ireland. Advice was also given to other Government Departments on the management of their own commissions, for example, to Dúchas, the Heritage Service, for Limerick Navigation Scheme.
Art works commissioned in 2001
Templemore Garda College, Brian Duggan
Expenditure
Total expenditure in 2001 was in the order of €400,000.
Art Graduates
This year, the Art Management Office employed six graduates from the Department of the History of Art at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and the National College of Art and Design to assist in cataloguing the collection of works of art owned by the State that are managed by the OPW. There are now almost 6,000 works on the art database. The Art Management Office is undertaking to digitally photograph the collection to make it available on the internet in 2002.
Art Management Handbook
The Art Management Group worked on updating the Art Management Handbook which outlines its practice and policies in relation to the art works purchased and commissioned under the per cent for art scheme. It will be published early in 2002.
OPW Achievements
ISO 9001:2000 Accreditation
DATE RECEIVED
Architectural Services October 2001
The OPW Architectural Services implemented a new management system in January 2001 and the Practice Manual was updated in this regard.
This Manual is constantly updated and used as a method of improving and developing the system, by sharing professional information.
Engineering Services
1. Hydrology and Hydrometric Section September 2001
This section is committed to providing a top class service to all clients by:
• carrying out its function to accepted professional and technical standards
• ensuring that all employees are equipped for, and committed to, delivering a professional and quality service
• continuously improving upon the standard of service provided.
This Section developed a Quality Management System and became the first professional/technical body in the Civil Service to receive accreditation.
2. Structural Section January 2002
A Quality Management System was developed in line with the same commitment to excellence as outlined above.
OPW Awards – 2001
The following projects were managed by OPW Project Management Services and designed or commissioned by OPW Architectural Services:
ProjectAwardClient
Michael Davitt Museum, Co. MayoRIAI Regional AwardThe Michael Davitt Museum
Skibbereen Visitor Centre, Co. KerryRIAI Regional Award Office of Public Works on behalf of - Exhibition Statusthe Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Cork Co. Council and Skibbereen UDC
Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, DublinRIAI Regional Award Office of Public Works on behalf of - Exhibition Statusthe Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands
Irish Folklife Museum, Turlough Park, RIAI Regional AwardOffice of Public Works; Mayo Co. Co. Mayoand Gulbenkian Museum Council; Department of Arts, Heritage, of the Year AwardGaeltacht and the Islands and the National Museum of Ireland
Irish Pavilion EXPO 2000, RIAI Regional Award Office of Public Works on behalf of Hanover, Germany 1 (overseas category)the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Muckross House Walled Garden RIAI Regional AwardOffice of Public Works on behalf of Complex, Co. Kerry- Exhibition Statusthe Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and the Trustees of Muckross House
Welcoming Pavilions, RIAI Regional AwardOffice of Public Works on behalf of Leinster House, Dublin2 the Department of An Taoiseach
Leinster House 2000, Dublin3 RIAI Regional AwardOffice of Public Works on behalf of the Houses of the Oireachtas
Local Enquiry Offices Revenue RIAI Regional AwardOffice of Public Works on behalf of Commissioners, Mount Street, Dublin4 - Exhibition Statusthe Revenue Commissioners
Curvilinear Range, Botanic Gardens, RIAI Restoration Medal Dublin1993-1995
Farmleigh House, DublinConstruction Excellence Award - Public Building Category
1 Murray O’Laoire Architects, commissioned by the Office of Public Works
2 Bucholz McEvoy, commissioned by the Office of Public Works
3 OPW Architectural Services supported by Dolan & Donnelly Architects and Paul Arnold
4 Newenham & Mulligan, commissioned by Office of Public Works
Expenditure Programme
The table below shows, on a Business Unit basis, all expenditure managed by OPW in 2001 or incurred in 2001 on contracts placed by OPW (2000 figures are shown for comparison). This involves funds granted directly to OPW via Vote 10 and Vote 44; expenditure on works and services managed by OPW and paid for by other Government Departments or Agencies; expenditure by other Departments and Agencies on drawdown contracts placed by OPW; and the Local Loans Fund which is administered by OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance.
1. Property Management Services
1.1 Purchase of Sites & Buildings124,21744,325
1.2 Rent, Rates, etc.56,27070,814
1.3 Construction of Accommodation for Asylum Seekers15,49017,980 Property Management Services Total195,977133,119
2. Property Maintenance Services
2.1 Minor New Works41,37851,480
2.2
2.3
2.4Facilities Management (President’s Household only)549575 Property Maintenance Services Total89,697118,569
3. Project Management Services
3.1 Building Programme174,873203,921
3.2 Flood Relief (including Humanitarian Aid)7,18313,113
3.3 Zoological Society of Ireland9,5152,539
3.4 Irish College, Paris06,349
3.5 Irish College, Rome0254
3.6 Louvain Institute for Ireland0381 Project Management Services Total191,571226,557
4. Engineering Services
4.1 Drainage Surveys 5361,117
4.2 Maintenance Works – Maintenance costs of completed drainage schemes10,19212,074
4.3 Services to the Department of the Marine & Natural Resources12620
4.4 Purchase of Engineering plant & machinery1,1431,249
4.5 Maintenance of Engineering plant & machinery1,6841,792
4.6 Engineering Works for the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands2,090237 Engineering Services Total15,77116,489
5. Government Supplies Agency
5.1 Printing & publications22,07426,324
5.2 General procurement services34,87029,937 Government Supplies Agency Total56,94456,261
6. Corporate Services
6.1
6.2 Travel and subsistence1,4181,386
6.3 Incidental expenses745932
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7 Consultancies273320
7.
7.1
637,019617,531
Funding of Programmes
1. OPW funded: Vote 10 (Gross)415,043399,928 Vote 44 (Flood Relief)1,7782,245 Total416,281402,173
2. Work funded from the Votes of other Departments: Construction Works & Services Department of Education19,04626,786 Prison Projects1,3396,427 Sundry Works61,31659,227 Maintenance Works111,41217,817
Services to the Department of the Marine & Natural Resources212620
Supplies for Government Departments
3. Funds administered by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance: Local Loans Fund461,70938,412 Total61,70938,412
1. These involve minor maintenance works on State occupied accommodation.
2. This included work in Castletownbere, Dunmore East, Innisbofin and Killybegs
3. Two Departments share most of the expenditure on clothing, the Departments of Defence and of Justice, Equality & Law Reform.
4. These funds are managed on behalf of the Department of Finance. They involve the recoupment of loan payments from certain local authorities and harbours twice yearly, and the early redemption loans.
Note: It is the policy of OPW to process invoices without delay. Since 2 January 1998 the Office is operating in accordance with the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997.
Funding of Programmes
OPW Operating Costs
Architectural Service
Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2001 20002001
Notes to the Income and Expenditure Account
1. Notional fee income
Notional fee income has been calculated using commercial fee scales discounted by 7.5% to reflect current market conditions. No adjustment has been made to either:
(a)reflect any additional discounts which may be allowed to customers to whom long term services over a number of projects are provided; or
(b) reflect any premium which may arise on the provision of specialist services.
2. Employment Costs
Actual pension and social welfare costs incurred have been increased where appropriate to reflect rates payable by private sector organisations. No adjustment has been made to base salary levels to reflect current market pay scales or bonus and other performance related remuneration.
3. Core Support Services
Support costs have been allocated on the basis of staff numbers as a percentage of total established staff. Pension and social welfare costs incurred have been increased in line with note 2 above.
4. Rent €000 Actual14 Notional495 Total509
Actual rent is allocated based on area occupied as a percentage of total space being rented. Notional rent is calculated at an average of €25.40 per square foot as an approximation of current market rates on similar properties. The notional charge is also allocated based on area occupied.
5. Insurance
Insurance is a notional charge to reflect professional indemnity insurance costs that would be incurred by a private sector practice and is calculated based on a percentage (3%) of notional fee income.
6. Notional Surplus
The notional surplus does not reflect a number of additional costs that may be incurred by an equivalent private sector practice but which cannot be estimated with a sufficient degree of accuracy to permit their inclusion in this income and expenditure account. These costs include, but are not limited to, legal fees, marketing costs, entertainment and working capital management.
Note: All income and expenditure figures are shown net of VAT
Dublin Castle
Financial Information year ended 31 December 2001
1. Income
The only income in the financial year ended 31 March 2001 was interest income earned on the ACC deposit account.
2. Expenses
Under the current lease terms with the Gang Camp, all outgoings including maintenance and repairs of the castle are the responsibility of the Gang Camp.
The accounting and legal fees relate to services provided by Ernst & Young, together with Arthur Cox in relation to services provided in 2000 and 2001.
The cost of €2,539 in the year ended 31 March 2000 relates to tickets for the Gang Camp "Fantasia" Gala, the trust no longer purchases tickets for the Gala.The Camper Scholarship Scheme expense in 2000 and 2001 of €3,809 relates to an undertaking by the trust to sponsor a child at the camp for five years from 1999, at a total cost of €19,046.
3. Debtors 20002001
Amounts falling due within one year €€
4. Office of Public Works – Current Account
The amount of €714 owing from the Office of Public Works reflects the current or "suspense" account maintained by the Office of Public Works.
5. ACC Deposit Account
The balance on the ACC bank deposit account agrees with the bank statement as at 31 March 2001.
6. Creditors 20002001
The Ernst & Young accrual is in respect of fees for the year ended 31 March 2001.
The amount of €2,539 is in respect of costs associated with the relocation of the family of former employee.
Staff and Senior Personnel
OPW staff as at 31 December 2001
Senior Personnel
Brian (Barry) Murphy, Chairman of the Office of Public Works
Property Services
Commissioner David Byers
Property Management Services
Tom Costello
Principal Officer
Paul Molloy
Principal Officer
Property Maintenance Services
Des Thorpe
Head of Maintenance
Health and Safety Unit
Pierce Kenny
Principal Officer
Facilities Management
Mary Heffernan
General Manager, Farmleigh
Tommy O’Shaughnessy General Manager, Dublin Castle
Project Management Services
Commissioner Sean Benton
Jim Blighe
Principal Officer
Clare McGrath
Principal Officer
Una Redmond
Principal Officer
Special Projects Unit
Kevin Connolly
Director
Architectural Services
Michael O’Doherty
Director of Architectural Services
Liam Egan
Assistant Principal Architect
Michael Haugh
Assistant Principal Architect
Ciaran O’Connor
Assistant Principal Architect
Klaus Unger
Assistant Principal Architect
Finbar Wall
Assistant Principal Architect
Engineering Services
Tony Smyth
Director of Engineering Services
Larry McGettrick
Chief Mechanical & Electrical Engineer
Tom Sherlock
Principal Officer
Corporate Services
Vincent Campbell Director of Corporate Services
June Thompson
Principal Officer
Lynda Hendley
Press Officer
Finola Parnell Freedom of Information Officer
Financial Services and Government Supplies Agency
Joseph Farrell
Principal Officer
Office of Public Works
Head Office
Office of the Minister of State, Office of the Chairman, Corporate Services, Property Management Services, Project Management Services, Property Maintenance Services, Architectural Services, Engineering Services,
51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 647 6000
LoCall: 1890 213 414
Main Fax No: (01) 661 0747
Website: www.opw.ie
E-mail: info@opw.ie
Quantity Surveying Section, Professional Accountants
4 - 5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2(01) 647 6000
Arterial Drainage – Design Section, Hydrology & Hydrometric Section, Structural Engineering Section
17-19 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2(01) 647 6000
Accounts
Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny(056) 72600 LoCall1890 213 424
Government Supplies Agency
51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2(01) 647 6000 LoCall1890 213 434
Government Publications Sale Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2(01) 679 3515
Furniture Branch
Mountshannon Road, Rialto, Dublin 8(01) 453 1588
Building Maintenance Service
Pembroke Row, Baggot Street, Dublin 2(01) 676 4633
Dublin Castle Conference Centre
Dublin 2(01) 679 3713
Farmleigh
White’s Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15(01) 815 5900
Central Engineering Workshop
Jamestown Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8(01) 453 4204
Arterial Drainage Maintenance
Newtown, Trim, Co Meath(046) 31352
Fair Green, Ardee, Co Louth(041) 685 3256
Robinstown, Mullingar, Co Westmeath(044) 48332
Ballycraine, Castlebridge, Co Wexford(053) 24181
Drumbear, Cootehill Road, Monaghan(047) 83201
Main Street, Headford, Co Galway(093) 35456
Foxford Road, Ballina, Co Mayo(096) 22065
Gallows Brae, Lifford, Co Donegal(074) 41273
Corrib Sluice Barrage, Sluice House, Galway(091) 563097
Templemungret House, Mungret, Limerick(061) 227139
Inch Bridge, Listowel, Co Kerry(068) 21166
Connaught Harbour, Portumna, Co Galway(0509) 41086
Government Buildings, Spa Road, Tralee(066) 24479
Hydrology & Hydrometric Services
Barrack Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath(0902) 92918
Hebron Road, Kilkenny(056) 72641
Fair Green, Ardee, Co Louth(041) 685 7992
Templemungret House, Mungret, Co Limerick(061) 227139
Foxford Road, Ballina, Co Mayo(096) 22065
Regional Architectural Offices
Steward’s House, White’s Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15(01) 812 8122
Dublin Castle, Dublin 2(01) 475 5175
Demesne Buildings, Dundalk, Co Louth(042) 933 4221
2 Chapel Street, Sligo(071) 42202
Government Offices, High Road, Letterkenny,(074) 21365
Barrack Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath(0902) 92087
13 Catherine Street, Waterford(051) 874134
Government Buildings, Portlaoise(0502) 21133
Government Buildings, Arklow, Co Wicklow(0402) 32761
Government Buildings, Anne Street, Wexford(053) 22470
14 Old Blackrock Road, Cork(021) 4966 200
The Demesne, Killarney, Co Kerry(064) 31028
2 Mallow Street, Limerick(061) 313500
Government Offices, Thurles, Co Tipperary(0504) 21532
16 Eyre Square, Galway(091) 563016
Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo(094) 21331
Map showing distribution of OPW offices throughout Ireland
National Museum of Country Life and Turlough Park House