OPW Annual Report 2004

High Cross, Durrow Abbey Main Guard Clonmel Rock of Cashel

Foreword from Minister of State

2004 was another busy and successful year for the Office of Public Works. The year began with Ireland again holding the Presidency of the EU from January to June. This represented an enormous undertaking for the OPW given the amount of State visits, meetings and conferences involved. I am happy to say that OPW performed with distinction throughout this period and particular credit must go to our Facilities Management staff for rising to the challenges.

The decentralisation process announced by Minister Charlie McCreevy in 2003 is well underway with the selection of sites ongoing. Agreement was reached on the purchase of many properties throughout 2004 and Property Management Services continue to make substantial progress in delivering this programme within the agreed timeframe. Project Management Services also became involved in rolling out the programme in 2004 as the construction of new offices began to become a reality. The high cost of this process continues to be offset by the disposal of surplus State assets and OPW raised a significant amount of revenue in 2004 through the ongoing transformation of State property portfolio. I believe that Decentralisation of civil servants from Dublin to 53 locations around the country will be a huge boost to local economies and improve the quality of lives of many people.

In September 2004 the Government accepted the recommendations of a report by an inter-departmental group established to review national flood policy. The Group recommended that the OPW be the State’s lead agency in relation to this area and be tasked with delivering a multi-faceted programme aimed at mitigating future flood risk and impact.

As the range and diversity of functions and responsibilities within the OPW remit expands with every passing year, I would like to acknowlege the tireless commitment, professionalism and dedication of all OPW staff in responding to the many challenges that were set in 2004. I’m also delighted to welcome the Built Heritage function back to the OPW and look forward to providing a high quality service in this area in years to come. Further tangible evidence of the OPW’s commitment to excellence was demonstrated in 2004 by M&E’s achievement of accreditation for I.S. EN ISO 9001:2000 in August 2004

On the staffing side, one of the office’s most experienced and valued member’s retired in 2004. Michael O’Doherty served the OPW with distinction as Principal Architect for many years and I wish him a long and happy retirement. I also take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome his successor, Pat Cooney, to the role and look forward to the many challenges that we will face together in the coming years. I would also like to express my gratitude to all other staff members who retired during 2004.

Tom Parlon, TD

Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works

Foreword from Chairman

2004 brought many challenges and many demands on the Office of Public Works.

The Management of our Built Heritage transferred from Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to OPW. The assimilation of over 1,200 staff impacted on practically every area of OPW but particularly so on Human Resources and Accounts. The fact that the transition went so smoothly reflects well on all involved.

2004 also saw very significant progress in implementing the Government decision on Decentralisation. The timescales are extremely demanding, both for site acquisition and project procurement, but throughout the course of the year we have demonstrated that we are ready and capable of meeting the Decentralisation challenge. Property solutions are well advanced and we look forward to the start of many building projects in 2005.

The implementation of our Customer Service Charter in 2004 was an important and noteworthy development and good progress continues to be made in the area of Performance Management and Development Systems (P.M.D.S.). The focus on customer care and staff development are key elements in our overall strategy to ensure that OPW is seen as a quality provider of cost effective solutions in the areas of property, projects, procurement and heritage.

Another significant development in 2004 was the approval by Government for the publication of the Report of the Flood Policy Review Group and to implement its recommendations. The decision to assign the lead role in Flood Risk Management to the OPW has major implications for our responsibilities in this area. It will present significant opportunities and challenges in the years ahead.

Finally, I want to acknowledge and pay a special tribute to all the OPW staff involved in Ireland’s E.U. Presidency. They performed their duties with great distinction and have brought much credit to the organisation.

All in all we can look back on our achievements in 2004 with justifiable pride.

Sean Benton Chairman Office of Public Works

The Main Guard, Clonmel

Management Advisory Committee

Séan Benton Chairman

Tony Smyth Director of Engineering Services Chief Engineer

Vincent Campbell Director of Corporate Services

Patrick Cooney Director of Architectural Services

Clare McGrath Commissioner

David Byers Commissioner

Strategic Review2004

Statement of Strategy

Statement of Strategy

This Review assesses the progress made within OPW against strategic targets during 2004 under the broad headings identified in the most recent (2003 - 2005) Statement of Strategy.

The Heritage Service is separately assessed against the relevant targets set in the Department of the Environment and Local Government Statement of Strategy 2003 – 2005.

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

PROJECT-RELATED OBJECTIVES (NOS. 1, 8 & 9)

1. To Deliver on the Annual Work Programme

Work Programme:

Work programmes were on target at end year with approx. 99.2% of the Vote allocation spent.

All major projects and programmes with a post 2004 completion date were on target at yearend.

•Financial outturn

•Contractual commitments

•General progress assessments by Business Unit Heads.

Work Programme:

The end year Business Plan review shows that the measures outlined at the start of the year have proceeded broadly to target.

A significant unforeseen increase in workload as a result of the Decentralisation Programmearose during 2004 – principally within the Property Management, Architectural Services and Project Management areas.

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

CUSTOMER SERVICE OBJECTIVES (NOS. 2 & 3)

2. To deliver a Quality Customer Service in a timely & consistent manner

ISO Accreditation:

All Business Units in possession of ISO accreditation maintained the standard during 2004:

•Architectural Services

•Project Management Services

•Engineering Services

-Hydrology & Hydrometric

-Structural Engineering

-Arterial Drainage Maintenance

-Design Section

•Property Management Services

In addition, Project Management Services were successful in updating their accreditation to ISO 9001/2000 certification level.

•External review (NSAI)

•External accreditation award.

ISO Accreditation:

ISO accreditation is being maintained. Two Business Units remain to achieve accreditation.

•Property Maintenance

•GSA

Both are actively working on this with a 2005 target for achievement of the standard.

Customer Service Action Plan:

The Customer Service Action Plan 2004 – 2007 and the OPW Customer Service Charter were published in the second half of 2004.

•Publication (paper and Web).

CUSTOMER SERVICE OBJECTIVES (NOS. 2 & 3)

3. To dedicate particular focus to achieving specified levels of service for individual customers

Service Level Agreements:

A number of SLA’s are currently in place:

External:

•With Revenue for Property Management Services

•With Irish Museum of Modern Art, RHK for Property Maintenance Services.

Internal:

•Service Level Agreements.

Customer Service Action Plan:

A new Customer Service Charter was devised by the QCS Network to publicly set out OPW service standards. The Customer Service Action Plan was reviewed in tandem to ensure consistency and both documents were published in August 2004.

The QCS Network will have a role in relation to measuring progress against the new Plan, particularly in regard to developing a coordinated approach to Customer Surveying (see Key Objective no 4 below).

Preparatory work in relation to establishing further SLA’s with selected Customers will continue. KEY OBJECTIVE2004

•With Property Management Services for Engineering Services. (Structures)

A Further agreement (with Project Management for various engineering services) was in discussion during the year and will be concluded in 2005.

4. To engage continually in a process of measurement of performance against other similar organisations

Business Accounts:

Data retrieval to provide commercial-style accounts continues in Architectural Services and Engineering Services.

GSA also produce accounts for the Publications and Iris Oifigiuil areas

•End year accounts

Service Level Agreements:

Although a number of successful SLA’s have been put in place, the target volume envisaged in the Statement of Strategy has not been fully realised in the first two years of the Strategy period.

Business Accounts:

Accounts are maintained on a whole Business-Unit commercial style within Architecture and Engineering.

Accounts covering discrete elements of some other Business Unit activities are prepared and are useful in that limited context.

Benchmarking Exercises:

Exercises carried out in Business Units:

•Architectural Services.

•Engineering Services.

•End year accounts & analysis with external comparators.

Customer Surveys:

Customer Surveys are carried out as part of ISO accreditation compliance.

•Paper survey. Direct Interviews

Benchmarking exercises:

Architectural Services & Engineering Services commercial-style accounts are used to display cost effectiveness in comparison with external comparators.

Useful one-off exercises have also been completed in various local areas within the Office.

Work began in 2004 to develop proposals for future benchmarking exercises with DOE Northern Ireland for Professional Services; Project Management; Property Management and Property Maintenance.

Customer Surveys:

Customer Surveys are carried out locally within Business Units in compliance with ISO procedures.

In late 2004, the PR Office and the QCS Network commenced a centralised Customer survey, based on a representative sample of the customer base. This will be further developed in 2005 and beyond (see Key Objective No. 2 above).

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

CORPORATE REPORTING OBJECTIVES

5. To develop efficient corporate reporting arrangements which contribute in a meaningful way to the achievement of Strategic goals

Management Information Framework:

Tenders were invited mid 2004 for the new Financial Management System – a key component of MIF. At yearend, these tenders were being evaluated with a view to placing a contract in early 2005.

ICT projects / initiatives:

Current projects being addressed are:

•Peoplesoft (HRM system.)

•Registry system;

•Property Maintenance Visibility system

•Financial Management System

•Heritage Service infrastructures

•Flood Hazard Mapping

•Reporting requirements of D/Finance.

•Tender placement.

•Specific projects.

Management Information Framework:

During 2004, OPW continued to make progress on MIF initiatives.

The target for completion of the placing the contract for new FMS is late 2005.

ICT projects / initiatives:

The IT User Group has developed a significant role as a generator of projects with an integrated business focus.

Current key projects include the new HRM system (Peoplesoft), and the new FMS system and will be priorities in 2005.

Flood Hazard mapping and Heritage Service infrastructure projects will be concluded early 2005.

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

HRM CHANGE OBJECTIVE

6. To modernise the HR function so as to better meet the needs of the core Business Units and the staff of OPW

HRM Strategy:

•Work continued during 2004 on the creation of a new Human Resource Management Strategy, taking into account the new factors caused by the return of Heritage Services and the Decentralisation initiative.

•Strategy draft.

Process Manual for HR function:

This work was substantially concluded during 2004. The remainder (approx. 10 - 15%) will be finished in early 2005.

•Process manual.

HRM Strategy:

Progress on this project was inhibited in early 2004 due to the focus on Heritage Services integration and OPW Decentralisation. At year-end however, work had resumed on the project with a focus on final completion of the Strategy in 2005. Implementation issues will follow, taking the Decentralisation timetable into account.

Process Manual for HR function:

The HRM mapping project will support efficient transfer of personnel management functions in the context of both the Decentralisation project and the devolution of certain HRM functions to Line Management.

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

REGULATORY REFORM OBJECTIVE

7. To address the issue of regulatory reform so as to ensure that the OPW retains the ability to act on Government policy in a changing environment

Regulatory Reform issues: Commissioners’ powers issues were considered & legal advices obtained. No further action is contemplated currently.

The broader regulatory reform issues are being examined by the Attorney General’s Office.

•MAC decisions

Regulatory Reform issues: In regard to one area where legislation may be critical to operation (i.e.: flood risk management), specific proposals for legislative reform may emerge (see Key Objective No. 9 below).

Separately, Corporate Services will coordinate with the Attorney General’s Office in relation to input to their project to review the entire statute book. This process will possibly identify some possibilities for the repeal and/or consolidation of legislation on the Statute Book relevant to OPW.

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

PROJECT-RELATED OBJECTIVES (NOS. 1, 8 & 9)

8. To achieve greater efficiency in the use of property assets

Review of portfolio:

Specific measures have been taken in relation to a number of issues:

•DOELG-led proposal for affordable and social housing on OPW owned sites

•Garda portfolio asset management.

•Commercial-style developments at a number of locations

•Child services (Crèche facilities)

•Telecoms projects

•Property disposals.

•Public Housing developments.

•Redevelopment / Disposal proposals.

•Planning application

•Child services

•Property sales

Review of portfolio:

A number of separate proposals have been identified in the areas of public housing, Garda facilities, commercial-style developments, child services and telecoms-related projects. These separate initiatives are being proactively developed through the OPW’s Property Management Services, supported by Project Management Services. Major projects undertaken are outlined separately in this volume.

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

PROJECT-RELATED OBJECTIVES (NOS. 1, 8 & 9)

9. To address emerging problems in the area of flooding

Flood Policy Review:

Following the formal review process during 2003, Government subsequently decided to proceed with the main Review recommendations.

•Proposals to Government.

Flood Policy Review: Delivery of the Strategy target has been met. Further legislation may be required. This is currently being assessed.

Heritage Services

The Strategies and Key Performance Indicators for those elements of the Heritage Service that transferred to OPW in 2004 are*:

KEY STRATEGIESKEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

HRM CHANGE OBJECTIVE

Conserve, manage and present State properties to the highest standards as models of excellence in the conservation of the built and natural heritage.

•Improved visitor numbers and visitor satisfaction at heritage sites.

•Progress on adopting management plans for selected sites.

•Conservation status of heritage sites monitored.

•Efficient and effective conservation of the Department s property portfolio.

* Extract from the Department of the Environment and Local Government Statement of Strategy 2003 – 2005. (The balance of the strategic targets within this document remain with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, who have retained responsibility for policy issues relating to Heritage.)

Progress achieved during 2003 was as follows:

KEY OBJECTIVE2004 PROGRESSPERFORMANCE INDICATORCOMMENT

HRM CHANGE OBJECTIVE

Conserve, manage and present State properties to the highest standards as models of excellence in the conservation of the built and natural heritage.

Heritage Service: Work continued throughout the year on the conservation, management and presentation of a broad range of sites across the country.

Details of these projects are contained elsewhere in this volume.

Improved visitor numbers and visitor satisfaction at heritage sites.

Visitor records for 2004 show an increase overall in visitor numbers.

In-house quality surveys were carried out and site comment books were monitored by Visitor Services management to identify issues and assess visitor feedback during 2004 season. An external consultancy examination was carried out at certain national sites during 2004 to assess visitor preference and identify general visitor issues.

Progress on adopting management plans for selected sites.

Management Plans were commissioned in respect of a number of National Monuments sites.

Conservation status of heritage sites monitored.

Efficient and effective conservation of the Department s property portfolio.

(This relates to on-theground care of heritage sites and not to the wider planning context,which function was retained by the DOEHLG.)

The conservation of heritage sites continued to be administered in respect of both sites in state ownership and those in State care (740 approx), using a mix of direct management onsite and remote management through the network of National Monuments Depots nationwide.

(This relates to the built elements of the property portfolio only — the National Parks and Wildlife properties remain with the DOEHLG.)

Management of the built portfolio continued to be implemented successfully, with a strong emphasis on the tourist,visitor and educational dimensions of the properties concerned.

Statement of Strategy 2005 – 2008

Following the appointment of a new Minister for Finance in September 2004, OPW is required, under the terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997, Section 4, (1) Subsection (b) (ii), to produce a new Statement of Strategy for the period 2005 – 2008.

This work commenced in late 2004 and by year-end had advanced to the stage where a draft Statement was practically complete. The new Statement will, subject to Ministerial and Taoiseach’s approval, be formally published early in 2005.

OPW Customer Charter

The OPW is first and foremost a service organisation. Its ethos is client focus, timely delivery and value for money. The operations of OPW are carried out by seven Business Units:

•Project Management Services.

•Property Management Services.

•Property Maintenance Services.

•Architectural Services.

•Engineering Services.

•Government Supplies Agency.

•Heritage Services.

Mission Statement

To deliver, in support of Government policies, high-quality services in property, design, construction and procurement on time and in budget. The OPW is committed to providing you, our customer, with an excellent service. This Charter sets out the standards of service you can expect from us. It should be read in parallel with our Customer Service Action Plan, which details our approach to planning for good customer service across the 12 Civil Service Principles for Quality Customer Service.

OPW Customer Service Standards

We have categorised our Service Standards under 5 broad themes:

1. General Response

2. Information

3. Equality

4. Mission Delivery

5. Complaints and Appeals.

General Response

We aim to provide services consistently at times and venues that suit our customers.

Telephone Enquiries

•We will generally be available to answer telephone enquiries during normal office hours (9.15am-1.00pm and 2.15pm-5.30pm Monday-Friday [5.15pm Friday])*

•If specific staff are not available to speak with you when you call, we will ensure that you are assisted in their absence.

* Some regional/local offices staffed primarily by operational project/site staff may not be occupied at all times within these hours.

Written Communication

•We will acknowledge all written enquiries and non-routine correspondence (including faxes and email) promptly and will aim to give a comprehensive reply to at least 95% of all such correspondence within twenty working days at the latest.

Personal Callers

•We will be available to meet with you by appointment during normal working hours (see above). We will be as flexible as possible if you need to have an appointment scheduled outside these hours.

Providing Information

We recognise the importance of meeting the expectations of our customers for information that is timely, accurate and relevant to their needs.

Freedom of Information

•We will fulfil all statutory requirements in relation to making information available within the specified time.

•We will make every effort to ensure that simple requests are dealt with outside the scope of the relevant legislation with minimum inconvenience to requesters.

Website

•We will maintain the OPW Website so as to ensure relevance, accuracy and ease of use for users.

•We will, where appropriate and feasible, provide links from our website to other relevant sources of information on the Internet.

•We will provide for a contact facility for users of the website and will aim to respond to any issues raised there within twenty working days.

General Information

•We will ensure that all generally available information is accessible in both electronic and printed format, if required.

Equality of treatment

We are committed to providing services to all our customers on an equal status basis. This means that we will accommodate the needs of specific customers or groups of customers with a view to achieving an equality of treatment.

Physical access

•We will ensure that public areas (*) within our premises and sites are accessible (**) to all callers.

•We will, on behalf of our Customer Departments, Offices and Agencies, ensure that any new buildings or premises we provide them will be accessible by all. We will, on a progressive basis, deal with older buildings and premises to ensure that they are also rendered accessible.

* Due to the nature of some sites, not all areas within certain Heritage sites or local operational offices may be fully accessible at all times.

** Access to certain areas in OPW sites and buildings may be controlled from time to time on Health and Safety grounds.

Language Equality

•We will fulfil the requirements of the Official Languages Act 2003 in regard to the needs of our Irish language customers.

•We will ensure that anyone communicating with us in writing in Irish will receive a reply in the same language.

•We will aim over time to ensure that anyone wishing to communicate through the Irish language will be accommodated.

Mission Delivery

We are committed to providing efficient services to our customers in line with the key elements of our Mission Statement.

Fit for Purpose

•We will ensure the basic fitness for purpose of any building or premises which we provide to our customers.

Quality Services

•We undertake to give a quality service in all of the core areas detailed in our Mission Statement (property, design, construction and procurement) and in the provision of Heritage Services.

Timeliness and Cost

•We will aim to deliver services on time and in budget.

Dealing with Problems

We undertake to provide a clear, simple system for processing complaints and appeals.

Complaints*

•Customer Service Officers within Business Units (**) will initially deal with complaints. If there is no resolution at that level, an internal appeal may be made to the relevant Head of Section** (Principal Officer, Assistant Principal Architect or Assistant Chief Engineer.)

•Within the Heritage Services, complaints in relation to service delivery at visitor sites can be made to the Guide or the Guide Supervisor on the site in question. Where no Guide service is available or if the complaint relates to another aspect of services offered by the Heritage Service, then the complaint should be made directly to the Customer Services Officer for that area**.

* The term “complaint” is deemed not to include any legal or other claims for which a separate procedure already exists or is set out in law.

** Contact details for Customer Service Officers, POs, APAs and ACEs are provided at Appendices 2 & 3 of the OPW Customer Service Action Plan.

Appeals

•If the issue cannot be dealt with at OPW level, an appeal may be made to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Operations Review2004

In July 2004,72/76 St Stephens Green was sold netting the State 52.3 Million.The State realised 100 million from the disposal of surplus State Property and the two sites for the Affordable Housing Initiative.

Artists impression of Westgate

Property Management Services

Transforming State Assets

At the launch of the 2002 Annual Report, Minister Parlon indicated his intent to initiate a programme of transforming State Assets. Following this announcement, a new unit was established in Property Management Services to deal with the disposal programme. A whole review process was commenced with a view to identifying vacant, under-utilised, under-developed or surplus State Property.

To date the process has produced a number of properties deemed suitable for detailed assessment to determine their potential for disposal or redevelopment.

In assessing these particular properties, a range of considerations are being taken into account, including:

•The planning issues in the context of their development potential

•Their overall condition

•The extent to which decisions on decentralisation might impact on them

•The alternative uses to which they might be put,including the possibility of their being used for housing purposes

•Their market value.

This resulted in three large sales in the Dublin area alone in 2004.

Properties disposed in 2004

BUILDING

PRICECLOSING DATE

2 Church St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford337,000.0012th May '04

Lad Lane, Dublin 222,500,000.005th May '04

Blacklion Customs Frontier Post Site – Cavan21,586.2316th March '04

72-76 St Stephens Green, Dublin 252,300,000.0015th Sep. '04

Kilmacthomas G.S., Co. Waterford100,000.0013th Aug. '04

14/16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 88,780,140.4830th Aug. '04

Thomastown GS, Co. Kilkenny450,000.007th Dec. '04

To further use of State Lands for the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative, two sites were identified:

1.Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 - 1.2 Hectares.

2.Jamestown Road, Inchicore - 2.6 Hectares

The transfer is being finalised with Dublin City Council. The programme is continuing for 2005.

Property Management

2004 Market Overview

The office rental market

The year saw a marked recovery from the somewhat tentative recovery that was observed in 2003. This rend was particularly evident in the Dublin office sector, particularly in the traditional central office areas. By contrast the suburban office parks continued to offer good value for money as landlords competed to achieve lettings in what was often a fragile recovery at best.

The recovery in the Dublin office market was evidenced by an increased take up of space, variously reported in a range between 160,000 and 190,000 sq m, a substantial increase (over 25%) above the previous year, and vacancy rates decreased in proportion, to a figure of about 15% overall in the Dublin area, and to almost half that figure in the city centre.

In the somewhat fragile suburban office market, OPW adopted a "wait and see" attitude, using both the advantageous market situation and its premier covenant to achieve value for money lease terms.

The impact of decentralisation

The impact of the major government initiative to decentralise large elements of its central government departments across the country was profound. OPW is playing a key role in this programme in its role of sourcing and developing regional offices to meet the developing decentralisation programme. In consequence, with the exception of situations where it was required to meet urgent local office requirements, the State was not an active player in the Dublin office market.

Property sales

OPW’s main impact on the commercial property market was the successful disposal of some of its major property holdings in the city centre for what was considered to be exceptional prices, sales which were used to fund the site acquisition programme for decentralisation. Many of these properties were in reality development sites in the making as private investors competed to acquire some of the State’s key city holdings for large-scale redevelopment. This rolling programme of disposals is ongoing and will continue for the foreseeable future as the State’s property portfolio is rationalised and rebalanced in the new reality of decentralisation.

Rent Reviews

The OPW continued to pursue settlement of rent reviews with customary vigour, and in cases where settlement at reasonable rates could not be reached, such cases were referred for determination by independent third party.

New Leases 01 January 2004 – 31 December 2004 - Dublin

New Leases 01 January 2004 – 31 December 2004 – Regional

Naas Gov OfficeKildare/NaasNational Education Psychology 01-Jan-0431-Jan-241343.37254,034.00 Service, Education Regional Office, N.E.W.B., Social, Community & Family Affairs

Roscommon Agric Roscommon/Agriculture, Food & Rural 01-Mar-0428-Feb-05419.4465,557.80 OfficeRoscommonDevelopment

Furbo Pairc Gno Galway/FurboCommunity, Rural and 01-Apr-0431-Mar-0622324,382.82 CRAGAGaeltacht Affairs

Trim NCSEMeath/TrimNational Council for Special 01-Apr-0431-Mar-24407.1787,645.60 Education

Galway Hynes Yard Galway/GalwaySocial, Community & Family 06-Apr-0405-Apr-06N/A13,650.00 Car ParkAffairs

Cork Marine OfficeCork/CorkCommunications, Marine and 01-May-0425-Dec-054237,980.00 Natural Resources

Cork Marine OfficeCork/CorkCommunications, Marine and 01-May-0425-Dec-05255,910.72 Natural Resources

Achill Gaeltacht Mayo/Community, Rural and 01-May-0431-Jan-14462,678.83 Affairs OffAchill IslandGaeltacht Affairs

Cork Marine OfficeCork/CorkCommunications, Marine and03-May-0402-Apr-1448358,500.00 Natural Resources

Maam GS Galway/MaamGarda Siochana01-Jul-0430-Jun-0951.57,800.00 Temporary

Limerick Prob/Limerick/Probation & Welfare Service01-Jul-0430-Jun-24258.545,262.00 Welfare ServiceLimerick

Castlebar Prob/Mayo/CastlebarProbation & Welfare Service19-Aug-0418-May-14355.44538,259.80 Welfare Service

Navan NEPS Meath/NavanNational Education 01-Sep-0430-Aug-05N/A6,000.00 CarparkPsychology Service

PROPERTY NAME COUNTY/LOCATIONDEPARTMENTCOMMENCEEXPIRY RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM

Roscrea Civil Tipperary/Defence01-Sep-0431-Aug-241712.95170,000.00 Defence OfficeRoscrea

Roscrea Civil Tipperary/Defence01-Sep-0431-Aug-24809425,000.00 Defence OfficeRoscrea

Roscrea Civil Tipperary/Defence01-Sep-0428-Feb-05120.715,000.00 Defence Off TempRoscrea

Navan NEPS OfficeMeath/NavanNational Education Psychology 15-Sep-0414-Sep-05341.4255,000.00 Service

Athlone Prob/Wel Westmeath/Probation & Welfare Service17-Oct-0416-Oct-06613.14110,472.00 The CresentAthlone

Sligo Pensions Sligo/SligoSocial, Community & Family 12-Nov-0411-Aug-24N/A123,750.00 Services OfficeAffairs

Navan Wildlife Meath/NavanEnvironment & Local 01-Dec-0431-Aug-09112.516,954.00 OfficeGovernment

Leases Surrendered 2004 – Dublin

PROPERTY NAME LOCATIONDEPARTMENTSURRENDER DATE CAR PARK SPACES RENTABLE SQM RENT PER ANNUM

Hatch St 6/7 Dublin 2Foreign Affairs31-Aug-040637.39284,391.39 Hardwicke Hse

City Quay Car Park Dublin 2Revenue13-Feb-0418N/A62,856.00

Distillery BuildingDublin 7Education & 07-Jan-041836.1475,530.00 Science

Santry Foreign Dublin 9Foreign Affairs07-Jul-0445N/A127,500.00 Affairs Car Pk

Tallaght DTCDublin 24Transport28-Feb-0420162.5848,250.05

Leases Surrendered 2004 – Regional

PROPERTY NAME

Kilmihil GS + MQClare/KilmihilGarda Siochana13-Jan-0440.873,674.70

Bantry Wildlife Cork/BantryEnvironment & 10-Mar-0410.221,980.79 Service Local Government

Donegal SWODonegal/ Social, Community 20-May-04156.1719,807.91 Donegal& Family Affairs

Donegal Customs Donegal/Revenue16-Apr-04148.6413,332.25 and ExciseDonegal

Galway Mervue Galway/Garda Siochana01-Dec-0426.936,602.64 GardaGalway

Kilkenny Refugee Kilkenny/OPW20-Oct-04183,991.32 SiteKilkenny

Limerick EducationLimerick/Education & 21-Sep-0458.253,809.21 OfficeLimerickScience

Tourmakeady GSMayo/Garda Siochana20-Jul-0476.64,761.52 Tourmakeedy

Sligo Central Sligo/SligoCSO08-Apr-0452.585,713.82 Statistics Office

Athlone AHGI Westmeath/AHGI20-Apr-0480.8311,046.72 OfficeAthlone

Facilities Management

Ireland’s Presidency of the E.U.

The Facilities Management Unit provided a full event and facilities management package to all Government Departments and Agencies during the E.U. Presidency. This involved the servicing of 345 meetings in 62 venues across the entire breadth of the country in the six months from January to June. The core event management activity was centered on meetings held in Dublin Castle, Farmleigh and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. However, a significant part of the Unit’s resources were devoted to the management of the innovative and highly successful "EU Presidency roadshow" initiative especially in relation to the many Ministerial and other high level meetings held throughout the country. There were 36 high level meetings held, including the Day of Welcomes for accession countries on May the 1st and the E.U./U.S. Summit in June.

Dublin Castle

The Dublin Castle Conference facilities were closed to all activity other than E.U. Presidency business from January to June. In the year, 107,600 people visited the State Apartments, participating in approximately 4,500 individual guided tours.

Apart from the E.U. Presidency meetings during the first six months of the year, Dublin Castle hosted 170 events between July and December. The nature of these events was extremely varied with the highlight being the Presidential Inauguration in November. Other events included State dinners, international conferences, music concerts and art exhibitions. The total attendance at these events was in the region of 35,000.

In addition to the aforementioned event management functions, the Dublin Castle management team continued to provide a full property management service to all the occupants of the Dublin Castle complex in 2004.

The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham (RHK)

The RHK was closed to all conference and event activity other than E.U. Presidency business from January to June. In the latter half of the year 80 events were held with a total attendance of approximately 16,000 people. The Irish Museum of Modern Art, which is housed in the RHK, attracted 350,000 visitors.

The Department of Education and Science, Marlborough Street

The Facilities Management Unit continues to provide building maintenance and security services at the Department of Education and Science complex in Marlborough Street.

Farmleigh

Farmleigh played a key role as an important venue for EU Presidency events during the first six months of 2004. This culminated in the ‘Day of Welcomes’ dinner at Farmleigh that was attended by the 25 Prime Ministers of the 15 existing and 10 new accession countries.

Farmleigh was closed to the public from January to end-June as a result of the EU Presidency. Despite this however, over 109,000 people visited Farmleigh in 2004.

During 2004 there were 152 meetings, seminars and workshops held at Farmleigh. There were 12 separate overnight stays, 127 booked tours, 88 open days for the public and 52 cultural events.

The successful "At Farmleigh" programme of seasonal events continued to provide ample opportunities to the public to enjoy Farmleigh’s facilities during 2004 with themed events organized on a monthly basis. This included the popular food markets during September. The series of Christmas events at the House also enjoyed great public interest and support.

Áras an Uachtarain

The Facilities Management Unit continued to play an important role in the management of Áras an Uachtarain in 2004 through the co-ordination of a range of property, housekeeping and catering services. A highlight of the year was the hosting in the Áras of the main ceremonial event for the "Day of Welcomes" on May 1st. The Facilities Management Unit team in the Áras played a key role in the successful organisation of this prestigious event.

General Facilities Management Services

The Facilities Management Unit oversees the provision, through contracted service providers, of a full range of support services at other properties such as the new Government Laboratories at Backweston, Co. Kildare and the Northside Civic Centre in Coolock, Dublin. The objective is to ensure the provision of a professional, cost-effective and best practice facilities management service to the client Departments.

Farmleigh

Property Maintenance

Total 87,357,000

* This table shows expenditure on contract work managed by Property Maintenance Services, excluding Health & Safety Works

ISO 9001:2002

Work began in 2004 to comprehensively document works procedures and protocols in Property Maintenance Services to achieve ISO 9001:2000 accreditation by year-end in 2005.

EU Presidency

The accommodation requirements and facilities management services required by Government Departments and the Garda Authorities to facilitate EU functions and security requirements during Ireland’s presidency of the EU in 2004 were met by our network of Regional Offices and Facilities Management Division in Dublin.

Garda Minor Works Programme

Expenditure on the above programme was 5m in 2004 and included refurbishment works at some 44 garda stations, including Carrigaline, Dolla, Ennistymon, Newmarket, Riverstown and Roscrea.

Health & Safety Strategy

Property Maintenance Services has put in place protocols for compliance with Health and Safety legislation. This covers a wide spectrum project supervisor design stage (PSDS), project supervisor construction stage (PSCS) and risk self-assessment for trade personnel and general operatives in BMS and Furniture Branch.

It is necessary to advertise for panels of contractors in each region for emergency call-out works. These contractors will have to tender in the normal way for contracts. The protocol is for emergency works only. They will assess the risk and act as PSCS.

Measured Term Maintenance Contracts

•Tenders were invited through the OJEC procedure for a pilot scheme in the Dublin area, one north and one south corresponding to the existing regions. The contract has not yet been placed.

•A Help Desk will be tendered as the single point of contact for all maintenance services delivered by OPW. It will control the registration of all requests for maintenance work from our clients.

•There will be the support and backup of a quantity surveying service that will check the monthly claims made by the MTM contractor for works undertaken. It also provides a new facility for our clients in that they will be able to get an accurate cost estimate for work they require.

•The regional offices will be the technical and supervisory element of the new maintenance framework. They will also supply the MTM contractor with a list of contractors used by them at present.

Building Maintenance Services

With the coming of the MTM contracts BMS will withdraw from the routine maintenance in modern offices, generally, and will focus on the conservation of heritage and historic buildings in the Dublin Area.

There are on-going discussions with English Heritage regarding the up-skilling of the craftsmen in BMS after the move has taken place and the new staff profile and skills have been identified.

There have been great strides made in the area of Health & Safety and all the staff have embraced the new protocols. BMS started a programme of fitting ‘Fall Arrest’ systems to the roofs of the heritage properties in the Dublin area. All plant and equipment is tested and certified once a year.

A time recording systems will begin this year in the BMS Cork and Limerick depots. The supply contracts for the supply of fire extinguishers and the supply of materials for both BMS and Furniture Branch will happen in 2005.

Annual accounts have been produced for BMS over the last three years. Each year they have produced a profit on the chargeable works of approximately 9% - 11.6%.

Furniture Branch

A performance specification manual is now finished as is the brochure for all drawdown items supplied by Furniture Branch.

Furniture Branch will be integrated fully into the Visibility software system for salaries, contracting and payments. The drawdown contract for office furniture is in place and will cater for the furniture needs of decentralisation.

Furniture Branch will be setting the protocols for their procedure manual leading to ISO accreditation in 2006.

Riverstown Garda Station, Sligo

Project Management Services

Project Management Services (PMS), 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 and customers.

Project Management Services articulates, in detail, the clients or customers brief of requirements in order to assist in delivering these on time, within budget and to the highest architectural and engineering standards, in compliance with Government and EU Procurement procedures.

Delivery of clients and 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.

Department of Social and Family Affairs Programme

Expenditure in 2004 was 997,000.

COMPLETEDIN

Cobh – new Local Office –Refurbishment and extension

Bray – Construction of new Local Office Hynes Building, Galway – fitout of ground and 1st floors

Ballymun – Construction of new Local Office

Courts Services Programme

In 2004 expenditure was 2,103,653 on this programme.

COMPLETEDIN

Cork City & County Courthouse, Washington Street

Longford - Refurbishment

Nenagh – Refurbishment & new extension Tullamore - refurbishmentCriminal Court Complex –New build

Cork District Court extension

COMPLETEDIN PROGRESS

Bray – Construction of new Courthouse

Four Courts – Security Works Phase 1

Ballyshannon, new build

Office Rationalisation Programme

COMPLETEDIN PROGRESS

Dept. Justice Equality & Law Reform – Forensic Science Laboratory – Prefab Building

Dept. Education & Science –NEPs Building Punch’s Cross, Limerick

Lansdowne Houserefurbishment of Core Areas

Elizabeth Fort, Cork –Emergency Works Programme, Phase IV

Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Blocks 8 –10, Dublin Castlerefurbishment works

Dept. of Transport – Driving Test Centre, Sarsfield Road, Cork

Probation & Welfare Service –St. Nicholas Church, Cork –Refurbishment.

Youghal – refurbishment

Kilkenny – refurbishment

Wexford – new build

Drogheda – new build

Letterkenny – new build

Monaghan – refurbishment

Mullingar – refurbishment

STAGEIN PLANNING

Dept. of Transport – Driving Test Centre, Finglas, Dublin

Land Registry – Church Street/Hammond Lane

Land Registry Santry –Warehouse Facility

Dept. of Agriculture & Food –New District Veterinary Office, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim

New OPW Workshop, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford – Roof restoration

In addition the Office undertook work on a repayment basis for other agencies. Among the completed projects were the fit-out of offices in Dublin for fit-out of a premises (part) in Tallaght for the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (P.I.A.B.)

Projects in planning include the, refurbishment of offices for the Adoption Board at Shelbourne House, Shelbourne Road, Dublin, fit-out of offices for the Ombudsman for Children at Millennium House, 52 –56 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1 and a new development for the Environmental Protection Agency in Kilkenny.

Project Management Services, in their capacity as agents for Teagasc, completed work at Moorepark in Fermoy, Co. Cork, a 4m development.

Irish Prison Service Programme

COMPLETEDIN

Irish Prison Service –

Portlaoise Prison Gate lock

Irish Prison Service –

Limerick Prison C Wing

Decentralisation Programme

COMPLETEDIN

Irish Prison Service –

Portlaoise Prison C Block

Irish Prison Service

Construction of bridge to Spike Island

Irish Prison Service, Longford

Sligo – Extension to Pension Services Office (Department of Social & Family Affairs)

Defence Forces, Curragh

Once off building projects

The Restoration and Development of Nenagh Courthouse, Co Tipperary commenced in May 2004 and is scheduled for completion September 2005. The development is valued at 14m

The Restoration and Development of Tullamore Courthouse, Co Offaly is scheduled to start in April 2005. Completion is expected in July 2006. The development is valued at 13.5M.

The Restoration and Development of Longford Courthouse is scheduled to start in September 2004 and is due for completion in December 2005. The development is valued at 9m

The Restoration and Extension of the Custom House in Cobh, Co. Cork is due to start May 2005 and is scheduled for completion in May 2006. The development is valued at approximately 3m.

The provision of office accommodation for the Department of Education and Science, National Educational Psychological Service, Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath was completed in September 2004. The project is valued at 2m and the planning application for the civilian development is scheduled for submission in May 2005.

The Schengen Unit, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park is nearly complete and is valued at 3m.

Ballymun Regeneration: The development of a Garda Divisional Headquarters and Office Accommodation for the Department of Social & Family Affairs, the Money Advice & Budgeting Service and the Probation and Welfare Service is valued at 20m. The planning notice for the Garda development has been submitted and the planning application for the civilian development is scheduled for June 2005.

Dublin Zoo

The Development of a New Restaurant and Staff Facilities is now completed the works were valued at 4m.

The extension of the new entrance and environs is valued at 2.6m. Work is scheduled to start in January 2005 and is due for completion in April 2005. This project marks the completion of the Capital Development Programme for 2001 – 2005 at a value of 12.7m

Coast Guard Stations

The refurbishment of Ardmore Coast Guard Station and Tramore Coast Guard Station in Co Waterford are now complete. Works were also completed for the Coast Guard Station in Rosslare Co Wexford.

The contract for the construction of a new Coast Guard Station in Bunbeg Co Donegal is being finalised and the project is due for completion December 2005.

A Planning submission is currently being prepared for the development of a Coast Guard Station in Kilkeel Co Clare.

The development of these facilities is valued at approximately 6m

Leinster House/Oireachtas Programme

Expenditure on this Programme totalled 9.6m during 2004

COMPLETEDIN PROGRESS PLANNING PERMISSION/TENDER

Extension to self-service Restaurant

New Entrance Pavilion Kildare Street

Fit out of 2 floors of Agriculture House for Additional Oireachtas Personnel Merrion St.Pavilion

Phase 1 Refurbishment of Kildare House for Oireachtas Personnel

New access facility at Kildare St.Gate

Phase 1 Control Development Plan

Phase 2 Kildare House

Oireachtas Créche & Fitness Room

Landscaping of temporary carpark Leinster Lawn

Garda Building Programme

The OPW has undertaken a very successful Garda Building Programme in recent years. Over the past ten years, some 100m has been spent by OPW providing new Garda accommodation and carrying out major extensions and refurbishments to existing Garda Stations. In the last two years alone almost 30m has been spent.

The design and construction of these new works is of the highest quality offering Garda personnel excellent working conditions and facilities. The brief of requirement is constantly changing and revised briefs will soon be implemented to accommodate the rising demand in twenty first century policing.

Projects completed in 2004:

•Abbeyfeale Area H.Q. Co. Limerick

•Ballycotton Co. Cork Basic Unit

•Dundalk District H.Q. Co. Louth. Extension & Refurbishment

•Garda H.Q. Phoenix Park Dublin 8.- Substations

•Longwood Garda Station Co. Meath – Basic Unit

•Templemore Garda District Headquarters Co. Tipperary

•National Repository, Santry Dublin 9.

Projects brought on site in 2004:

•Ballina District H.Q. Co. Mayo

•Ballyshannon District H.Q. Co. Donegal

•Bantry District H.Q. Co. Cork

•New Ross District H.Q. Co Wexford.

Major Projects coming on stream:

•Templemore Garda College Co.Tipperary

- New Facilities block

- Extension of Dining Hall & Gym

- Refurbishment of Existing Garda Station and

•Schengan – Garda Headquarters – 3.5m. Construction has commenced – Completion May 2005

•Ballymun Garda Divisional Headquarters –10m – At Planning Stage

Planning Consultation under Part 9. Completed

•Carbury/Derrinturn Co. Kildare – Basic Unit

•Castlerea Garda District Headquarters Co. Roscommon – Extension / Refurbishment

•Claremorris Garda District H.Q. Co. Mayo- District Headquarters

•Donard Garda Station Co. Wicklow – Basic Unit

•Schull Garda Area Headquarters Co. Cork – Area H.Q.

•Urlingford Garda Station Co. Kilkenny. – Basic Unit

•Henry St Garda Station. Co Limerick – Extension / Refurbishment.

•Irishtown Dublin 4 – City Type Garda Station

•Oranmore, Co. Galway- City Type Garda Station

•Ballingarry, Co. Limerick- Basic Unit

Cultural Institutions / Heritage Properties

10.92 m was expended in 2004

COMPLETEDIN PROGRESSIN PLANNING

James Joyce Exhibition for the National Library of Ireland

Restoration of the Palm House, Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

St Stephen’s Green, Staff Facilities

Security Installation in the National Concert Hall

Installation of New Lift in 2/3 Kildare Street for National Library

Refurbishment of the bars in the National Concert Hall

External Signage Project in the National Concert Hall

Derrynane National Historic Park –Staff Facilities

Kilafin, Stone Coach House

Garnish Island, Glass Houses, Co Cork

Connemara National Park – New Entrance Pavilion

Installation of Chiller System in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Refurbishment of the National Gallery of Ireland, Lecture Theatre.

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Riding School Refurbishment

Refurbishment of 44-45 Merrion Square for the Irish Architectural Archives & Irish Manuscripts Commission

JFK Arboretum, New Ross –Staff Facilities

Carrowmore Visitor Centre, Co Sligo

Garnish Island, Co Cork – Upgrade of Staff Facilities

Fire, Security and Gallery Lighting project in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham

Conservation and restoration works at Marsh’s Library

Refurbishment of National Gallery of Ireland, No. 5 South Leinster Street.

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Military History Exhibition

Repository Building and Tunnel Link for the National Library of Ireland

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, New Central Building

Fire Suppression Works in Marsh’s Library

New Heritage Council headquarters in Kilkenny

External Lighting project in the National Concert Hall

Lisdoonvarna Theatre / Arts Pavilion

Muckross House, Killarney – Disabled Access

Clara Bog -New Visitor Centre, Co Offaly

Ballycroy, Co Mayo – New Visitor Centre

St Enda’s Museum, Refurbishment

Flahive’s Lodge, Glengariff, Refurbishment

Dinis Cottage, Killarney, Refurbishment

Phoenix Park, Walled Garden –Restoration

The OPW Access Programme

During 2004 the Access Programme supported work to improve accessibility in buildings occupied by the Courts Service; Department of Social & Family Affairs; Department of Finance; Department of Education & Science; Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government; Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs; Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Health & Children; OPW; Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General; Central Statistics Office; Office of the Attorney General; Office of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations & Bequests; Office of the Revenue Commissioners; Irish Linguistics Institute; National Archives; and the Garda Authorities.

The OPW, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform and the Institute for Design & Disability, continued to sponsor a touring exhibition, "Design for All", assembled around the seven principles of Universal Design as compiled by the Centre for Universal Design, North Carolina State University. The exhibition continued to tour in 2004.

Venues included:

•The closing conference for the Barcelona Declaration, Royal Hospital Kilmainham.

•The Young Social Innovators Awards, City West.

•Killarney Library, Killarney

•Tralee Library, Tralee

•Institute of Designers in Ireland’s Design Week, Atrium, OPW,

•51 St Stephens Green, Dublin

Total expenditure in 2004 was 662,000 on 28 projects.

Special Projects

"Practical Completion of the 12,500m2 State Laboratory at Backweston was achieved in Summer 2004 and a formal handover of the building to the Minister for Finance took place on the 31st August 2004. Completion of the adjoining 25,000m2 Laboratories complex for the Department of Agriculture & Food - scheduled for January 2005 - was delayed following the malicious setting of fires in one of the Laboratories in mid-September 2004. Contract completion is now due in early May 2005. Total expenditure involved on the Backweston complex is in the region of 200m.

Construction work on the provision of the new 50m/11,000m2 (approx.) Marine Institute HQ at Oranmore, Co. Galway progressed well throughout 2004 and is due for completion at the end of 2005. Preparatory work on the provision of the new Central Veterinary Research Farm at Longtown Farm, Clane, Co. Kildare to replace the existing facility at Abbotstown, Dublin 15 for the Department of Agriculture & Food continued during the year. A Planning Application for the Main Contract comprising Administration Buildings, Yards and Sheds covering a total floor area of just in excess of 14,000m2 was submitted to Kildare County Council in December 2004.

Expressions of Interest were received in January 2004 for the provision via the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain route of a 2,000-seater National Conference Centre. This complex Public Private Partnership (PPP) project was advanced substantially during the year to the extent that three consortia were selected to proceed to the next stage of the Competition i.e., Invitation to Tender, documents for which issued in December 2004.

Under the OPW’s "Transforming State Assets Programme" Planning Approval for the proposed WestGate development comprising 83,000m2 of mixed-use Development at John’s Road/Military Road West, Dublin was received in September 2004 following 3rd Party Appeals to An Bord Pleanála of the February 2004 Planning Permission received from Dublin City Council. [Property Management Division is now dealing with the disposal of the property on the open market].

The Planning Permission granted on 30th November 2004 for the proposed 52,000m2 HeustonGate development at John’s Road/Military Road East featuring a 32-storey landmark tower building and the Exploration Station (formerly called the Children’s Museum), was the subject of Appeals to An Bord Pleanála. OPW’s response to the Appeals will be with An Bord Pleanála by early February 2005.

Planning Permission for a proposed new office development of over 4,000m2 for the Department of Finance at 7-9 Merrion Row/Military Billets i.e., the site of the former National Museum building adjoining the Huguenot Cemetery and the Military Billets on the South Road of Government Buildings, was received in April 2004. Sanction from the Department of Finance to proceed with the Development followed in September 2004. Tender documents for both the Enabling i.e., demolition/drainage Works and the Main Contract were in preparation at the end of 2004. This will be a complex project to manage given the logistical restrictions imposed by its location on busy Merrion Row, its adjacency to the Huguenot Cemetery and the security aspects of the proposed connection to Government Buildings via a tunnel under the South Road.

Design development for the proposed 11,000m2 (approx.) Food Safety Centre for the Department of Agriculture & Food at Backweston continued during the year but was hampered by the fact that the Department was unable to finalise its brief of requirements due to the effect of the Decentralisation proposals. However, by year-end the design had been developed sufficiently to facilitate a pre-Planning meeting with Kildare County Council, who have yet to confirm their availability in that regard.

Planning Application documents for a generic type office development of 3,500m2 (approx.) of accommodation at 5-7 Merrion Square were completed during the year and a formal instruction to lodge the Application was awaited at year-end.

The Unit continued to act as Technical Advisers to the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism (DAST) on the proposed development of a National Stadium. Following completion in December 2003 of an assessment of the IRFU/FAI Lansdowne Road Feasibility Study for a new Stadium, the Government decided in January 2004 to financially support - to the tune of 191m - the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road into a 50,000 all-seater Stadium under the joint sponsorship of the IRFU and FAI. Special Projects Unit continued to advise DAST throughout the year regarding the various procurement options being considered. In early 2004, a joint venture company - Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Limited (LRSDC) - was established by the IRFU and FAI to procure the Stadium. This Unit has liaised closely with LRSDC and DAST on all matters relating to the procurement of Design and Project Management services in that connection e.g., documentation, attendance at interviews and evaluation of Consultants’ submissions.

As part of its Decision to support the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, the Government also committed itself, as financial resources permit, to the development of a Sports Campus at Abbotstown. The Campus is to include medical, research and training support for elite athlete development plus administrative facilities for the smaller sports bodies, in addition to a range of other facilities including pitches and training grounds. The Campus at Abbotstown is to be procured by Campus and Stadium Ireland Development Ltd., (CSID) who commissioned, during 2004, a Development Control Plan (DCP) for the entire site. SPU contributed to various aspects of the DCP and the conclusions/recommendations in the Development Control Plan are to be considered by Government in early 2005. SPU’s role in relation to the Project is to act as Technical Advisors to DAST/CSID.

Total Expenditure by Special Projects Unit in 2004 was 83,998,888.29.

National Conference Centre COMPLETEDIN

Relocation of the State Laboratory (State Lab) from Abbotstown to Backweston

Relocation of the Department of Agriculture & Food Laboratories (Agrilabs) from Abbotstown to Backweston

Relocation of the Marine Institute HQ to Galway.

Provision of Accommodation for the Department of Finance at 7-9 Merrion Row

Proposed WestGate and HeustonGate Developments at John's Road/Military Rd. sites.

Department of Agriculture & Food Farm Facility at Longtown, Clane, Co. Kildare

Development at 5-7 Merrion Square, Dublin

Provision of a Permanent Food Safety Centre, for the Department of Agriculture & Food at Backweston.

Architectural Services

The architectural practice within the Office of Public Works provides a service of exceptional quality. It provides a comprehensive design and project management service for public sector building projects, a conservation management and advisory service and offers independent advice to the Government on architectural issues.

By operating closely with the Structural Engineering and Mechanical and Electrical Sections of the Engineering Services Business Unit and with the Quantity Surveying Section it offers a full in-house multidisciplinary service to its customers.

Architectural services have developed a reputation for quality and professionalism reflected by the many awards achieved.

The practice has developed a comprehensive management that is ISO 9002 accredited and produces annual accounts that consistently show Architectural Services to be operating at a notional surplus.

Services offered to our customers include:

•Provision of full design and construction management service

•Project feasibility studies and reports

•Development of initial brief

•Advice on initial building and lifetime costs

•Advice on planning and building regulation issues

•Advice on health and safety

•Advice on conservation methods and procedures

The practice has a developed expertise in a number of areas:

•Modern office accommodation

•Conservation and restoration of heritage properties

•Prison buildings

•Garda buildings

•Public Offices and Government Departments

•Public access at heritage sites

Project Portfolio

The extent of work undertaken by Architectural services is indicated by the value of the portfolio of projects. For 2004 the work programme contained 441 projects with a combined value of 2.133 billion.

Throughout the year variations occurred in the planned advancement of certain projects owing to the commencement of the Government Decentralisation Programme and to changing priorities of the client. Although some 84 projects were added to the programme a number of major projects were also removed resulting in an end of year output value of 1.668 billion for 438 projects on hand.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Monitoring and developing a professional competency level is essential in ensuring that project quality and service delivery is maintained as well as being a requirement of ISO 9002. An ISO Audit of Architectural Services noted that individual staff member’s average annual CPD training stood at 28 hours, which exceeded the target of 25 hours.

The CPD Programme continued in 2004 with training and other events including:

•Lecture on Designing with Wood and sourcing of Tropical Hardwoods- Rupert Oliver & Ciaran O’Connor

•Lecture on Designing for Sustainability-Roeland Van Elsen

•Series of lectures and RIAI approved refresher courses for selected staff, on Health and Safety and Planning Legislation

•Series of lectures to individual staff members on Conservation of Historic Interiors.

•Participation by selected staff at Icomos (International committee on Monuments and sites) Conference in Dublin Castle

•Participation by selected staff at Historic Houses of Ireland Annual Conference.

•Meetings with the Education Officer of the RIAI to discuss CPD matters of mutual benefit to be progressed in the coming year.

Graduate Training Programme

•A new joint RIAI/OPW Graduate Training Programme was established in 2004. There are currently 9 graduates in OPW with capacity for a full compliment of 20 graduates.

•The training programme provides the experience required for the RIAI/ NUI examination in professional practice and during their time with Architectural Services, the graduates have made a positive contribution to the design and development of various projects.

Conservation

The Conservation Unit, in addition to executing major building conservation projects, continued with a number of conservation research initiatives, including:

•Developing a building limestone database with the State Laboratory and the Geological Survey of Ireland

•Conservation research into historic paints under joint agreement with the State Laboratory.

•Developing a research programme and establishing collaborators to share in undertaking of specific practice related subjects: fire safety (historic buildings); stone cantilevers; sculpted and carved elements; ironwork

•The recording and documentation of interventions in Historic Properties and other Protected Structures with the School of Architecture, U.C.D.

Sustainable Development and Universal Access policy

•The OPW SD+UA Workgroup (Workgroup on Sustainable Design and Universal Access) continues to research best practice, methods and standards for Architectural Services

•The Green Design Audit Checklist, a self-auditing tool, is available on the intranet to assist the design process at various stages

•The Green Team (Partnership Committee Workgroup) was launched in June 2003. The team comprises of volunteer members from all divisions of the OPW including regional offices, with the intention of achieving more environmentally friendly work practices and a sustainable approach to the services provided

•The Accessibility Audit Checklist is available on the OPW intranet site to assist designers audit design to comply with the current statutory building regulations

•The OPW currently have fifteen qualified access auditors to assist in auditing of buildings within the State property portfolio following a request from a Government Department

•The Design for All Exhibition, presented by the OPW in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform and the Institute of Design and Disability completed its tour in 2004. Following its appearance in Malaga, Spain the exhibition traveled to the RHK & City West in Dublin, Killarney & Tralee in Kerry and then returned to the Atrium in OPW.

•During 2004 the SD+UA Workgroup provided assistance and advice in the development of the generic output specification to be used in the Government Decentralisation Programme.

Engineering Services

With staff drawn from a range of engineering disciplines, this business unit delivers engineering services and advice in the civil, mechanical & electrical and hydrometric fields in connection with its own work programme and that of other Office of Public Works business units.

Flood Policy Review

In September 2004 the Government accepted the recommendations of a report of an inter-departmental group established to review national flood policy. The Group recommended that the Office of Public Works be the State’s lead agency in relation to this area and be tasked with delivering a multi-faceted programme aimed at mitigating future flood risk and impact. Engineering Services will implement the programme over a number of years, in conjunction with other state agencies where relevant. The programme includes the following major new initiatives:

•National Flood Hazard Mapping Programme

•Updating the Flood Studies Report for Ireland

•A campaign to raise public awareness of flooding issues

•Provision of guidance in relation to sustainable development

•Production of a flood defence asset register

•Development of a flood warning system

•Development of criteria for designation and prioritisation of channels for future maintenance and flood relief measures

By the end of 2004 progress on implementation of these initiatives was as follows:

National Flood Hazard Mapping Programme: A contract was placed for Phase I of the Programme. This entails (a) collection and verification of available information in relation to past flood events from more than 40 Local Authority and other organisations and (b) development of an Internet based system to disseminate this information. By year-end collection of material was underway at six source bodies and development of the prototype of the website was well advanced.

Flood Studies Update: Preparation of an implementation plan commenced in conjunction with relevant organizations. An Engineer with specialist expertise was recruited on contract to assist in this process.

Flood Warning System: Contract documents were completed for procurement of meteorological equipment that will be used in two pilot warning systems on the Munster Blackwater and the Suir rivers.

Quality Service

•Mechanical & Electrical Section secured ISO 9001 accreditation in August 2004.

•All other Engineering Services sections already accredited to the ISO 9001 standard retained that status following audits conducted in 2004.

•Drainage Maintenance Section commenced preparations for seeking accreditation to the ISO 18001 (Health & Safety) standard.

•the customer satisfaction-monitoring programme in Drainage Maintenance Division again yielded a high satisfaction rating from clients.

•A programme was developed with a view to seeking accreditation to the Institution of Engineers of Ireland Continuing Professional Development training scheme for professional and technical staff.

The other main activities and outputs in Engineering Services during the year were as follows:

Drainage Maintenance

Environmental Drainage Maintenance Programme: This on-going programme to analyse the environmental impact of drainage and devise and implement least invasive methods continued with the assistance of the Central Fisheries Board. Consultations with Regional Fisheries Board and the National Parks & Wildlife Service also continued in relation to the drainage works programme. EAST REGIONWEST

Main channels (km)625920322169123334403

Minor channels (km)81986954953655252319701928

Bridges repaired735434251103145180

Bridges replaced22232624564253

Bridge development57131171423378165351 applications

Labourforce 11912098987372287291 (at 31 December)

Maintenance4.65.94.34.94.44.613.315.4 expenditure (m)

Environmental

Mechanical Engineering

As part of an ongoing plant management programme, new equipment and vehicles costing 0.7m were purchased.

In addition to output supporting Engineering Services drainage operations e.g. fabricating sluice gates, weed-boats etc the Central Engineering Workshops carried out a number of projects for other OPW business units and outside bodies including:

Altamont House Co. Carlow: The railings going down to the River Slaney from the gardens were completed during the year.

Regional Veterinary Offices: Stainless steel laboratory vices fabricated

Veterinary Office equipment

Altamont House railings

Hydrology & Hydrometric

Hydrometric data collection

At the end of 2004, data was being collected at a total of 347 hydrometric gauging stations throughout the country (295 permanent and 52 project-related).

Requests for hydrological data

The Section responded to a total of 256 requests for data or information in 2003, 90% of which were processed within 7 days of receipt. Data is also being provided via a dedicated Internet site (www.opw.ie/hydro/home.asp).

Gauging equipment

Arrangements were completed for procurement of sophisticated gauging equipment that will be used in a pilot flood warning system.

Structural Engineering

This Section expanded in 2004 with the integration of four former Heritage Service (Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government) staff back into OPW. As a result, the Section’s activities now include a number of projects related to heritage properties. This work has been fully integrated into the Section’s ISO 9001 Quality Management System.

New work designed in-house and completed in 2004 included:

New Garda Stations at New Ross, Co Wexford, Abbeyfeale Co. Limerick; Staff Park facilities in St Stephens Green; Entrance Pavilion at Connemara National Park;

Irish Coastguard Station, Rosslare strand and extensions to Dundalk and Ennistymon Garda Stations

The throughput of cases in the year can be summarized as follows:

Heritage related projects included restoration of historic artificial lake at Emo Court; design of 2 footbridges for Killarney National Park and upgrading of Muckross House sewage treatment plant.

Mechanical and Electrical

A review was carried out of the operation of the trial contracting out of maintenance works.

Output is summarized below:

Flood Relief Programme

The OPW programme of Flood Relief Schemes is managed by Engineering Services. The programme has been ongoing since 1995 and schemes are carried out in association with the relevant local authorities. Works are generally carried out under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, and the Arterial Drainage Amendment Act 1995. In recent years some phases of schemes have been carried out by OPW as agents of local authorities under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.

OPW expenditure on Flood Relief Projects amounted to 15.4m in 2004. Construction works continued on two areas in 2004: Kilkenny where the scheme is being undertaken under the Arterial Drainage Acts, and the River Tolka, which is being undertaken under local authority powers. These two flood relief schemes accounted for 80% of the Flood Relief budget in 2004 with 9.7m expended in Kilkenny and 2.75m on the River Tolka.

Kilkenny Scheme

Works on the River Nore (Kilkenny City) Flood Relief Scheme began in August 2001 and are now practically complete. The scheme was designed to provide protection against a flood of such extent that it has a 1% probability of occurrence in any year.

Greensbridge, Kilkenny: Downstream view

River Tolka

Works on the River Tolka continued in 2004 in the Dublin City, Fingal and Meath areas. The works were carried out by OPW direct labor operating out of the East Region in Trim and included the construction of walls and embankments, Removal of Distillery Weir, and the widening of the river in the Dublin City area. Works in the Meath area included the replacement of the Maynooth Road bridge, Embankment construction and the removal and restoration of the old Castle View Bridge. In Fingal, embankments were constructed along the N3 road, in Herbert Road and at the Westpoint Business Park. Further works are planned in all 3 areas in 2005.

Activity on the Flood Relief Programme in 2004 is summarized below.

SCHEMESTATUS

KilkennyAlmost completed9,711,243

Tolka (Dublin)Phase 2 complete1,020,082

Tolka (Meath)Interim and Phase 1 complete986,809

Tolka (Fingal)First Phase of Works complete717,297

ClonmelPhase 1 underway222,218

MallowDesign of Phase 1 complete. Construction March '05 1,374,019

WaterfordProposed Scheme Exhibited51,287

CarlowProposed Scheme Exhibited44,278

EnnisDesign underway. Exhibition April '050

FermoyExhibition Autumn '0560,350

TemplemoreFeasibility Study ongoing. Exhibition mid-2005202,052

TullowFeasibility Study ongoing54,573

MorningtonExhibition April '0516,315

Flood Mapping ProjectPhase 1 underway618,264

Miscellaneous

John’ St. Johns Bridge, Kilkenny: Downstream view

Government Supplies Agency

Procurement Service

The Government Supplies Agency (GSA) provides a centralised procurement service in markets that are amenable to aggregation, for Government Departments and Offices. These goods and services are generally commodity type items available from stable supply markets. They are items that are commonly used across the State often in high volumes.

The value of the goods and services utilised by Client Departments through Government Supply Agency contracts was €52,439,340. A breakdown per market is indicated in the following table.

Publications

The Agency’s Government Publications Service continued to provide access to Government publications through our retail outlet in Molesworth Street and on mail order. Sales in 2004 amounted to €1,005,969

Election Services

The Government Supplies Agency managed the production of ballot papers for the European Parliament, Local Government elections and the referendum on the 27th amendment of the constitution bill 2004 Irish Citizenship, in 2004. Election Services continues to work with the Department of the Environment on the development and testing of electronic voting systems.

Iris Oifigiúil

The Government Supplies Agency publishes Iris Oifigiúil, the Government Gazette, twice each week. An internet version of Iris Oifigiúil is also available and can be accessed at www.irisoifigiuil.ie. The addition of an on-line advertising placement service was introduced in 2004.

Heritage Services

Historic Properties

With effect from 1 January 2004 operational responsibility for the Built Heritage was transferred to the O.P.W. while responsibility for policy matters (including capital funding) remains with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Historic Properties is responsible for the conservation, management, presentation and development of over 20 Historic Properties comprising Houses, Historic Park and Gardens. These include such flagship properties as the Phoenix Park, the National Botanic Gardens, Kilkenny Castle, Castletown House and the JFK Arboretum.

Development work encompasses restoration of historic buildings, provision of improved visitor facilities, upgrading and restoration of historic gardens and arboreta and the interpretation and presentation of these heritage properties to the public.

In addition to current expenditure incurred in relation to the staffing and maintenance of these properties, capital funding was also provided by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A wide ranging programme of small-scale maintenance, improvement, conservation and health and safety works, together with the provision of machinery, was funded from the OPW Vote in 2004.

National Botanic Gardens, Dublin

The restoration of the Palm House, a unique seven-storey building dating back to the mid-19th century, was completed in the spring of 2004 and the building was officially opened by the Taoiseach in May 2004. This major project represents the completion of the programme of major infrastructural works set out in the Management Plan for the Gardens published in 1992. The two-year project consisted of the faithful restoration of the Palm House complex involving the dismantling, repair and re-erection of the glasshouses. Improvements included the introduction of a combined new heating, ventilation and misting (humidity control) system. The project was funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and formed part of the current National Development Plan.

Liffey Valley Regional Park, Lucan

Lucan Demesne was acquired by the State in 1996 with the objective of establishing a Liffey Valley Regional Park which could be extended in the future by the three relevant Local Authorities who agreed to co-operatively manage and maintain the site as a single entity and to carry out an agreed programme of works for its development. To this end, funding totalling 4.7m., to be allocated over a period of years, was approved. The Local Authorities made much progress during 2004 in implementing this programme of works. This project was also funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the current National Development Plan.

Phoenix Park

Substantial resurfacing works were carried out in 2004 on the main road through the Phoenix Park, Chesterfield Avenue. This project was part-funded by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A project for comprehensive renewal of this avenue has been drawn up and will be submitted for planning permission shortly. This scheme incorporates a variety of safety features for the benefit of all Park users and the objective is to implement the scheme on a phased basis over a number of years.

Great Blasket Island, Co. Kerry

As a result of the collapse of An Blascaod Mór National Historic Park Act, 1989, a consultative process about the Island’s future was initiated to bring together all Island stakeholders and other relevant parties. The three main issues to emerge were those of access, conservation and an acceptable level of development. As part of this process a Management Group, comprising of representatives of landowners, the Local Authority, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and O.P.W., was set up. This group made good progress from its first meeting in 2002 and a draft Management Plan for the Island was completed in September 2004. The majority of landowners have already signed up to this Plan.

Government approval in principle was given in 2002 to expenditure of 8.5m to purchase the holdings on the Island, to improve the pier at Dún Chaoin and to build a new pier on the Island and to provide visitor facilities (on a small scale).

The objective was to secure the approval of the Department of the Environment to proceed with the first element of the proposals in 2005 viz. to acquire the lands on the Island at a cost of 1.7m. and then to go back to Government on the rest of the proposals. However, the D/Environment has now decided to go back to Government on the whole package as a first step.

Emo Court, Co. Laois

The Country Fair was held in the grounds of Emo Court in 2004 for the first time and was a great success. It will take place there again in June 2005.

Doneraile Court, Co. Cork

This built heritage property formally transferred from the Department of the Environment to OPW in September 2004.

Total 14,61614,993

Funding for major capital projects is provided from the Vote of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

National Monuments

Financial

Subhead I2

16,390,151.92 was expended in 2004 from the I2 Subhead. (Of this, 10,645,634.70 was spent on PAY and the remaining 5,744,517.22 was spent on NON-PAY).

Works/Services for the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government –

1,211,119.50 was expended in 2004 by OPW National Monuments on works/services on behalf of the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. This expenditure relates to the installation/upgrading of audio-visual shows and exhibitions at national monument sites in State care; the operation of an apprenticeship scheme aimed at building up a skills base in traditional building conservation skills; and a number of conservation projects at national monument sites.

Activities

Black Mill, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

The Black Mill in Roscrea opened to the public during the summer following the completion of a 4-year programme of restoration works. The mill has been substantially restored and now houses St. Cronan’s Cross, a 12th century high cross that needed to be removed to an indoor environment owing to concerns for its preservation. A balcony in the newly restored mill allows viewing of St. Cronan’s Cross from different levels. A replica cross was placed on the site of the original cross. The Black Mill is presented to the public as part of the Roscrea Heritage complex that also includes Roscrea Castle and Damer House.

This project was funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Ferns Castle, Co. Wexford

In July, President Mary McAleese formally opened the Ferns Castle Visitor Centre and Tapestry Exhibition. The visitor centre is located adjacent to the castle, which dates from the 13th century. The visitor centre is designed in an arc shape to reflect the geometry of the towers of the castle and natural materials such as stone, timber and slate were used in its construction. In addition to providing a guide information service, the reception building houses the Ferns Tapestry Exhibition consisting of 25 individual panels relating the history of Ferns. The tapestry panels were produced by the Ferns Tapestry Group, a local community group formed in 1997 whose aim was to depict the history of Ferns through stitchwork.

This project was funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Scattery Island Visitor Facilities

In July, Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D., Minister of State, formally opened visitor facilities on Scattery Island, Kilrush, Co. Clare. Located some 2.5 km off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastery founded by St. Senan in the early part of the 6th century consisting of a round tower and several churches.

Scattery was finally abandoned in 1978 and was subsequently acquired by the State in 1991 with the assistance of Kilrush Town Community Development Ltd., Shannon Development and Clare County Council. The new visitor facilities on the island mainly comprise of an existing cottage that has been converted to serve as a visitor reception area and information point. Visitors disembarking from the ferry can now avail of information at the visitor reception building. In addition a monastic trail has been developed that takes in Temple Senan, Senan's Bed, the monastery of St. Senan, Knocknangel and Teampall na Marbh.

The design of the new visitor facilities is mindful of the mood and ambiance of the island and is respectful of the island's importance as a national monument. It is hoped that the new visitor facilities will encourage more visitors to take the trip out to the island.

This project was funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Famine Warhouse 1848, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary

Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D., Minister of State, officially opened the Famine Warhouse 1848 in July following the completion of an extensive conservation and renovation project by OPW. During the Great Famine the Warhouse, a substantial two-storey building dating from about 1844, was the scene of the 1848 Rebellion by the Young Irelanders. The new permanent State exhibition in the house tells the story of the Famine and the Rebellion, and the trial, imprisonment, and penal exile of the leaders in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania, Australia). The Rebellion is one of the best documented events in Irish history and eyewitness accounts from participants – police rebels and the children who were in the house – have been used throughout the exhibition.

The Famine Warhouse 1848 was purchased by the State in 1998 during the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the Rebellion. At the time the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D., described the house as ‘an important historic monument and part of our national heritage’ and acknowledged the appropriateness of it housing a permanent exhibition.

This project was funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

Main Guard, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

In April Minister Parlon officially opened the Main Chamber of the Main Guard in Clonmel. The restoration of the Main Chamber is the final element in the conservation project undertaken by OPW at the Mainguard. The Main Guard was built by James Butler, Duke of Ormond, in 1675 as the courthouse for the Palatinate or administrative area of County Tipperary. Subsequently it was used as a barracks and as the seat of the assize courts until 1803. From 1810, the building was extensively re-modelled and put to new use. The open arch arcade was converted into shops, a basement was excavated and additional floors were inserted. The Main Guard was transferred to State care in the 1980s and a major programme of restoration was subsequently undertaken funded firstly under the EU Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999 and then the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

The building is now presented as it was in the 17th century, with an open arcade to the street. Modern facilities are provided in a new construction, which accommodates a reception, access stairs and lift, toilets and staff facilities to the rear and side. The new exhibition installed in the Main Chamber officially opened by Minister Parlon deals with the discovery of the building, the research undertaken in 1990s and the conservation and restoration of the building.

Visitor Services

A primary function of Heritage Services in OPW is the conservation and presentation of built heritage sites that are in its care. Over 700 such sites returned to OPW care with effect from January 2004. In particular, the conservation of over 60 of the sites was achieved by the deployment of Guides where it was necessary to do so to ensure their conservation or that it was possible for the public to visit the sites safely. The permanent Guides cadre was augmented by the recruitment of approximately 300 Guides on a seasonal basis. The total fee-paying visitor numbers of 2.098 million in 2004 was testament to the enduring popularity of the sites.

Customer service obligations were fulfilled by conducting surveys of visitors to selected individual sites in 2004. These surveys confirmed very high satisfaction ratings with regard to the friendliness and helpfulness of the Guides and the tours that they provided with ratings in excess of 9.2 out of 10 being achieved at many sites. A specific Quality Customer Service Principle requires that OPW takes a proactive approach in providing information that is clear, timely and accurate; that is available at all points of contact and meets the requirements of people with specific needs. In fulfilment of this requirement in relation to Heritage Services, high quality brochures in Irish, English, French, German, Spanish and Italian were produced that provided details of the opening times of staffed sites, the facilities provided at them and the admission charges payable. These brochures were distributed at the staffed sites and also through the Tourist Information Offices network operated by the Regional Tourism Authorities. In addition, information regarding the staffed sites was provided on a dedicated promotional website – heritageireland.ie. The heritage sites that are managed and presented by OPW Heritage Services play a crucial role in the Irish tourism industry. As part of its mission delivery Visitor Services consulted regularly with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, State Agencies and other stakeholders in the delivery of heritage services and their improvement.

Many commendations were received during 2004 for the high standards of presentation of OPW managed heritage sites. One such commendation was the selection of Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre by CIE Tours International for an award under its highly renowned National Awards of Excellence 2004.

Ceide Fields

Corporate Services

Personnel Services

The Personnel Division in the Office of Public Works provides a support service to a large multi-faceted and multi-locational organisation. In 2004 these dimensions were broadened still further when functions relating to National Monuments, Historic Properties etc., which had been the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, were successfully transferred to OPW.

Because of the diverse nature of the work carried out by OPW our staff have a wide mix of competencies and skills which within a workforce of approximately 2000 means that you can have a drainage channel dug to alleviate flooding, the decor of the National Library carefully restored including the ornate timberwork of Carlo Cambi or a flower bed seasonally planted in St. Stephen’s Green, amongst many other challenging projects and tasks.

In 2004 the significant challenge for the Personnel Division was to continue to provide the usual range of services to this very broad group of staff while dealing with the changes brought by the responsibility of the new functions, the organisational challenges arising from decentralisation and the evolving complexity of employment law and individual issues. In addition, in 2004 Personnel Services also began taking some of the steps to facilitate moving from the traditional role of Personnel to a Human Resource function and work was ongoing throughout 2004 with the Policy Unit and the Sub-Group of Partnership to develop a Human Resource Strategy for OPW.

Organisation Unit

The Organisation Unit, as part of Corporate Services, performs a vital role in the OPW. It provides and maintains the IT, telecommunications, and office equipment infrastructure that underpins the activities of the rest of the Office. The unit has undergone significant changes in 2004, which will continue in 2005 with a continued emphasis on performance review and delivery of work targets.

The Main focus in 2004 was the delivery of the projects and services set out in the Business Plan as approved by the IT User group.

Outlines of key areas of work completed by the Organisation Unit in 2004 are as follows:

1. Projects & Systems

Some of the projects undertaken included:

•Online planning consultation system

•Flood hazard mapping system

•EU Presidency system

•Central registry system for file tracking

2. Services

The following table gives an indication of the scale of services supplied during 2003:

Sites supported120

PCs & laptops supported950 approx

Servers supported60 approx

Printers supported180 approx

Software applications120 approx

Mobile phone supported600 approx

Photocopiers130 approx

Fax machines140 approx

3. Infrastructure upgrades and improvements

A number of significant upgrades and improvements were carried out on the Network Infrastructure during 2004. In particular, the reintegration of OPW remote sites to the Government VPN (Virtual Private Network) and the integration of the former Dúchas sites into the OPW Network. In addition, a major upgrade of the OPW phone system was carried out, including the re-introduction of voicemail.

Peribit data compression devices were deployed throughout the OPW WAN (Wide Area Network) to boost network performance.

4. I.T. Re-structuring of Organisation Unit

The Organisation Unit was re-structured in 2004 to cater for the additional responsibilities assumed as part of the Dúchas integration. The restructuring also aligned the data communications and telephony functions in line with trends in the IT industry. In January 2003, consultants prepared a report on the IT function within OPW and from this a 10-point Action Plan was produced which set out how the main recommendations could be delivered.

The deliverables on foot of the Action Plan included the formulations of a Project Management methodology for IT projects and the creation of a Service Level Agreement for the delivery of IT-related services in OPW.

The Action Plan also included the enhancement of the existing OPW IT Helpdesk to focus more directly and immediately on the internal customer.

The consultants also recommended that the Organisation Unit initiate a programme of IT awareness within OPW. The Organisation Unit now regularly publishes information on IT developments on its Intranet site and arranges information sessions for staff on new technologies. Similar presentations will be delivered in 2004.

5. Summary

In summary the work carried out within the Organisation Unit is both extensive and varied, and vital for the operation of the OPW. The acquisition of new reporting tools has enabled systems to be analysed and potential problems rectified before they become more serious.

Legal Services Section

In 2004, Legal Services continued to liaise with the State Claims Agency (SCA) in the reporting of accidents and providing follow up documentation in line with the Protocol agreed between the two organizations in 2002.

The provision of legal advice to the Office was managed, up to October 2003, by a firm of solicitors on a contract basis. At the end of the contract, agreement was reached with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office on the provision of the full range of legal services required by OPW. A panel of solicitors was chosen following a tender and interview process and a Service Level Agreement on the procedures to be followed by both parties was agreed and subsequently signed with the Chief State Solicitors Office. The Service Level Agreement provides for the regular review of the service provided.

Legal Services continued to act as Company Secretary to the two companies acquired by the OPW, Colmstock Properties Limited and Public Property Development Limited and commenced the winding up process leading to the liquidation of both companies. In addition administrative services to the Barretstown Castle Trust and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig are provided by Legal Services.

Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit

The efficient and effective handling of FOI requests continued to be a priority during 2004. The total number of requests dealt with during the year amounted to 40 and where appropriate, requesters were given every assistance with access to records without having to make a formal FOI application.

The Guide to the Functions, Records, Rules and Practices of the Office, a requirement under Sections 15 and 16 of the FOI Act which is available on the OPW website, was updated. The FOI Unit section of the Intranet has been expanded to include a Decision Maker’s Manual and a guide to the more common exemptions used in the course of making a decision on an FOI request. A template decision letter is also shown.

Continuing its commitment to best practice and compliance with the provisions of the FOI Act, the FOI Unit is represented at the meetings of the Civil Service Users Network (CSUN) and the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG). These networks provide a forum for discussion of cases with colleagues from other Civil Service Departments and Offices and contribute to the overall development of the FOI ethos.

To reinforce established practice in the Office, a Protocol on the Management of FOI requests from the media was drawn up. This Protocol sets out the framework within which all FOI requests from members of the media must be dealt.

As a result of staff moves and promotions, a decision was taken to appoint additional Decision Makers and Internal Reviewers. The Chairman signed a Derogation Order authorizing all staff from the grade of Executive Officer upwards to be appointed Decision Makers and all staff of the grade of Higher Executive Officer and upwards to be appointed Internal Reviewers. Training will be arranged in 2005.

The following table sets out a summary of the FOI activity during the year. Requests from business groups accounted for most of the FOI requests received.

In 2004 the customised Performance Management and Development System was implemented by nonestablished State industrial staff who had received training during the previous year. Training in PMDS was delivered to approximately 500 staff in the Heritage area during 2004 and this is now being implemented.

Among the courses organised by Training Unit were computer courses in Word and Excel at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, Keyboard Skills, AutoCad and Systems Analysis. Communications Skills courses included Assertiveness in the workplace, Interview Skills and Presentation Skills. Attendance at these courses amounted to approximately 600.

An Induction Course was held for new entrants and a Retirement Course was attended by 13 retiring members of staff.

Many staff availed of the Refund of Fees Scheme to pursue courses of Higher Education in their own time.

Accounts Branch

OPW’s Accounts Branch is responsible for:

•making authorised payments, principally payroll and contractors claims,

•recording, managing and accounting for the Office’s financial resources,

•putting forward, effectively and on time, the Office’s Estimate requirements and managing expenditure within the voted allocation, and

•briefing the Minister and Management Advisory Committee on financial issues.

During 2004, Accounts Branch was charged with the task of transferring the financial and accounting functions of the Heritage Services to OPW. This involved protracted negotiations on funding and detailed planning for the seamless integration of the two sets of payroll and accounting systems. It also involved implementing the ITP System in the Heritage Services which required the delivery by Accounts Branch of an intensive training programme for Heritage staff.

In 2004, Accounts Branch also processed 33,000 ITPs, 12,000 receipts, 6,000 travel claims, 3,500 rents payments and paid the salaries and wages of 2,350 staff. In addition, it managed voted and non-voted expenditure totalling 537m, receipts of 118m and 41.7m in Local Loans repayments.

The main project facing Accounts Branch in 2005 will be the implementation of the new Financial Management System (FMS) which is the first phase of the Management Information Framework (MIF). A Project Team led by Votes Section and including representatives of the Finance Unit and Payroll Section will have responsibility within Accounts Branch for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the FMS project. It is also planned to implement a complete upgrade of the Corepay payroll system during 2005.

Management Accounting Service

The Management Accounting Service was heavily involved in development of the MIF project during the course of 2004. Annual and periodic accounts or financial statements were produced in respect of Architectural Services, Procurement Services, Farmleigh, Art Management, Financial Services and the Central Engineering Workshops. The Management Accounting Service also has responsibility for compilation of the OPW Capital Asset Register.

Internal Audit

Internal Audit carried out audits of all Business Units and Support Services in 2004.

An Audit Committee oversees the operation of the internal audit function in the Office. Two of its members, including the Chair, are external members.

Art Management Group

The OPW Art Management Group has responsibility for the management of art works in the State Art Collection that are located in many State properties throughout Ireland. This collection includes contemporary and historic art works. In 2004, the Art Management Group continued commissioning and purchasing art works for Client Departments under the Government's Per Cent for Art Scheme to demonstrate OPW's commitment to a full and effective implementation of the Scheme.

A major requirement of the Per Cent for Art Scheme is to ensure public engagement with contemporary art works. One of the ways OPW undertakes this is through the annual touring Art of the State exhibition. In recent years, OPW has worked in co-operation with the Department of Finance and Personnel of Northern Ireland, bringing art works purchased by both organisations to a wider audience. 2004’s touring exhibition entitled Currents: An exhibition of recent acquisitions featured art works purchased in recent years. It travelled to venues throughout Ireland, north and south: the Glebe Gallery, Church Hill, Co. Donegal; Birr Technology Centre, Birr, Co. Offaly; Callan Friary, Callan, Co. Kilkenny; Linen Hall Library, Belfast; The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh; Wexford Vocational College, Wexford; District Council Offices, Limavady, and finally, the atrium space in OPW's Head Office. Paintings and photographs shown in the exhibition by OPW had been purchased under the Per Cent for Art Scheme for new building projects. They were generously lent to the exhibition by, amongst others, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Education and Science and the Civil Service Commission. A fully illustrated catalogue accompanied the exhibition providing details on each artist and artwork.

As part of the OPW role during the EU Presidency, the Art Management Group managed an exhibition of contemporary Irish art in Government Buildings on behalf of the Department of the Taoiseach. Art works were lent by the Royal Hibernian Academy, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin City Gallery and the State Art Collection. A small exhibition was also organised in Farmleigh of portraits and portrait busts of Irish Nobel prize-winners.

In December 2004, members of the Art Management Group also took part in the Inter-Departmental Public Art Coordination Group chaired by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, that led to the publication of Public Art: Per Cent for Art Scheme, General National Guidelines

Roscrea Castle

Emo Court, Co. Laois

Palm House, Botanic Gardens

Expenditure Programme

The table below shows, on a programme basis, all expenditure managed by OPW in 2004 (2003 figures are shown for comparison). This involves funds granted directly to OPW via Vote 10; funds administered on behalf of the Department of Finance; and expenditure on works and services managed by OPW and paid for by other Government Departments or Agencies

1. Property Management Services

1.1Purchase of sites and buildings4,6547,019 1.2Rent, rates etc.110,461114,481 Programme Total115,115121,500

2.Property Maintenance

2.1Maintenance, material and supplies 43,41046,028

2.2Fuel, electricity, water, cleaning materials12,94913,496

2.3President's Household Staff671729 Programme Total57,03060,253

3.Project Management Services

3.1Building Programme297,325246,896

3.2Flood Relief (Including Humanitarian Aid)20,83718,421

3.3Grant to Zoological Society of Ireland2,5392,539

3.4Grant to Maynooth College Chapel0750

3.5Grant to Institute for Ireland, Louvain7501,000

3.6Grant to Irish Landmark Trust0325 Programme Total321,451269,931

4.Engineering Services

4.1Drainage surveys909933

4.2Maintenance Works - Maintenance13,81515,670 costs of completed schemes

4.3Services to the Department of the 50147 Marine & Natural Resources

4.4Purchase of Engineering plant and machinery699764

4.5Maintenance of Engineering plant and machinery1,7631,935

4.6Engineering Works for Department of AHGI22978 Programme Total17,46519,527

5Government Supplies Agency

5.1Printing and Publications20,13222,638

5.2General Procurement Services31,32429,368 Programme Total 51,45652,006

6Heritage Services1

6.1Historic Properties -21,093

6.2National Monuments-16,390

6.3Visitor Services -668 Programme Total -38,151

7Corporate Services

7.1Salaries, wages and allowances25,14830,429

7.2Travel and subsistence1,3841,783

7.3Incidental expenses8151,116

7.4Postal and telecommunications services9991,212

7.5Office equipment and other office supplies2,4943,170

7.6Office premises expenses869856

7.7Consultancy Services34150 Programme Total 31,74338,716

8Funds Managed by OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance

8.1Local Loans 43,57541,724 Programme Total

Total Gross Expenditure637,835641,808

This may be reconciled with Vote 10 expenditure as follows: Deduct: Funds Managed by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Finance43,57541,724 Works funded by Government Departments107,34082,483 Supplies for Government Departments60,60262,882 Total 426,318454,719 The gross allocation on Vote 10 was €458,103,000. Appropriations-in-Aid (receipts) totalled €19,996,841. The overall Net saving on the Vote was €3,507,355m.

1Certain functions in relation to Built Heritage carried out by the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government transferred to the Office of Public Works in 2004.

Funding of Programmes

2Work funded from the Votes of other Departments

3Funds

1.These involve minor maintenance works on State occupied accommodation.

2.This was for work at Howth Harbour, Castletownbere, Killybegs and Dunmore East.

3.These funds are managed on behalf of the Department of Finance. They involve the re-coupment of loan payments from local authorities twice yearly and early redemption of loans.

4.In addition, Architectural Services certified the payment of sports grants with a capital value of €89.5m for the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism in 2004.

Note: It is the policy of OPW to process invoices without delay. Since 2/1/98 this Office is operating in accordance with the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act,1997.

Architectural Services

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 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

Actual 38

Notional 666

Actual rent is allocated based on area occupied as a percentage of total space being rented. Notional rent is calculated at an average of €32 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

7.All income and expenditure figures are shown net of VAT.

Barretstown Castle Trust

1.Income

Interest receivable relates to interest 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 Camper Scholarship Scheme payment of €5,000 (2002: €3,809) relates to an undertaking by the trust to renew the sponsorship of a child at the camp for five years from 2003, at a total cost of €25,000.

3. Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year

The ESB refund relates to payments made in respect of the electricity of the South Gate Lodge after the relocation of the O’Donoghue family in October 1998. In 2003, such amounts have been off-set against re-location accruals (see note 5).

4. ACC Deposit Account

The balance on the ACC bank deposit account agrees with the bank statement as at 31 December 2003.

5. Creditors 31/12/2003 31/12/2002

Amounts falling due within one year €€

The accountancy fee accrual is in respect of the preparation of the financial report for the period ended 31 December 2003.

6. The OPW current account of €2,831 (2002: €465 credit) relates to amounts owed by the Office of Public Works reflecting the current or “suspense” account maintained by the Office of Public Works.

7. The Office of Public Works (OPW) continues to support Barretstown Castle Trust in respect of expenditure on capital works, wages and maintenance. These costs have been accounted for in Government accounts.

8. The financial statements of Barretstown Castle Trust refer only to the management of the trust. The assets (Barretstown Castle and surrounding lands), which the OPW maintains, do not appear in the financial statements of the trust as they were acquired at no cost.

Emo Court

Rock of Cashel

OPW AWARDS 2004

PROJECT/DIVISIONAWARDS SCHEMECLIENT(S)

Mechanical and Accreditation forElectrical SectionI.S. EN ISO 9001:2000

Botanic Gardens Royal Institute of Architects ofPalm House RestorationIreland Annual Award 2004

Botanic Gardens Plan Expo Architecture andPalm House RestorationConstruction Heritage Award

Facilities Management:Service Excellence AwardFarmleighFrom Failte Ireland

Clonmacnoise CIE Tours InternationalVisitor CentreNational Excellence Award 2004

Events in the Atrium

Exhibitions and Events During 2004 in the Atrium, 51

St. Stephens Green

Jan/February 30th – 27thArchitectural Association of Ireland Exhibition of Colombian Biennale of Architecture

24th MarchBook Launch – "Breaking Ground" Story of William T. Mulvany

30th MarchEU – Press Conference – Ireland China Government Exchange

April 5th – 30thEuropean Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture

– Miles van der Rohe Award

May 3rd – 21stMythology Exhibition

May 24thRIAI Annual Awards

June 1st – 18th Lundbeck Art Initiative – Art against Stigma World Tour

June/July 21st – 12thExhibition by Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia

August 1st – 31stExhibition by the Fine Art Degree Students of 3rd Year DIT

September/October 17th – 1stLundbeck Art Initiative 2004 Annual Art Exhibition

October 9thClassical Music Performance – OPW Autumn Classical Music Tour in Heritage Houses and Gardens

November 1st – 14thDesign for All Exhibition

December 7th – 7th January ’05Art of the State Exhibition "Currents"

Staff and Senior Personnel

2004

Minister Parlon, Commissioner Clare McGrath, John McMahon, Ciarán O’Connor

Staff and Senior Personnel

OPW

Senior Personnel

Seán Benton Chairman of the Office of Public Works

Property Services

Commissioner David Byers

Project Management Services

Commissioner Clare McGrath

Property Management Services

Tom Costello Principal Officer

Paul Molloy Principal Officer

Property Maintenance Services

Des Thorpe Head of Maintenance

Health and Safety Unit

Kevin Fleming

Assistant Principal Officer

Heritage Services

Dermot Burke 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

Pat Cooney

Assistant Principal Architect

Engineering Services

Tony Smyth Director of Engineering Services

Jim O’Sullivan

Chief Mechanical & Electrical Engineer

Tom Sherlock Principal Officer

Tom Bolger John Curtin

John Gallagher Assistant Chief Engineers

Corporate Services

Vincent Campbell Director of Corporate Services

Personnel & Development Services

June Thompson Principal Officer

Organisation Unit, FOI, Legal Services

Seán Garvey Principal Officer

Art Management

Pat Murphy Art Advisor

Jacquie Moore Assistant Art Advisor

Facilities Management

Liam Basquille Principal Officer

Mary Heffernan General Manager, Farmleigh

Tommy O’Shaughnessy General Manager, Dublin Castle

George Moir Public Relations Officer

Lorus Collum

Eileen Maher

Employee Assistance Officers

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

Heritage Services

6/7 Upper Ely Place, Dublin 2 (01) 647 6000

Dún Scéine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2 (01) 411 7100

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

Financial Services

Government Offices, Hebron Road, Kilkenny (056) 7772600

LoCall 1890 213 424

Government Supplies Agency

51 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 (01) 647 6000

LoCall 1890 213 434

Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth St, Dublin 2 (01) 679 3515

Furniture Branch

Mountshannon Road, Rialto, Dublin 8 (01) 453 1588

Building Maintenance Service

Collins Barracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7 (01) 702 8811

Dublin Castle Conference Centre

Dublin Castle, 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) 943 1352

Fairgreen, 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) 914 1273

Corrib Sluice Barrage, Sluice House, Galway (091) 563 097

Templemungret House, Mungret, Limerick (061) 227 139

Inch Bridge, Listowel, Co Kerry, (068) 21166

Connaught Harbour, Portumna, Co Galway, (090) 974 1086

Government Buildings, Spa Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry, (066) 24479

Hydrology & Hydrometric Services

Barrack Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath (090) 649 2918

Hebron Road, Kilkenny, (056) 777 2641

Fair Green, Ardee, Co Louth, (041) 685 7992

Templemungret House, Mungret, Co Limerick (061) 227 139

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) 677 6106

Govt Buildings, St Alphonsus Road, Dundalk, Co Louth, (042) 933 4221

2 Chapel Street, Sligo, (071) 914 2202

Government Offices, High Road, Letterkenny (074) 912 1365

Barrack Street, Athlone, Co Westmeath (090) 649 2087

13 Catherine Street, Waterford (051) 874 134

Government Buildings, Portlaoise (0502) 21133

Government Buildings, Arklow, Co Wicklow (0402) 32761

Government Buildings, Anne St, Wexford (053) 22470

14 Old Blackrock Road, Cork, (021) 496 6200

The Demesne, Killarney, Co Kerry, (064) 31028

2 Mallow Street, Limerick, (061) 313 500

Government Offices, Thurles, Co Tipperary (0504) 21532

16 Eyre Square, Galway, (091) 563 016

Pavilion Road, Castlebar, Co Mayo (094) 902 1331

Heritage Services Depots

Athenry Depot, District Works Manager, Raheen, Athenry, Co. Galway, (091) 844 084

Kilkenny Depot, District Works Manager, Hebron Road Industrial Estate, Kilkenny (056)7721813/1868

Killarney Depot, District Works Manager, Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry (064) 33565

Mallow Depot, District Works Manager, Mallow, Co. Cork, (022) 42278

Dromahair Depot, District Works Manager, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim, (071) 916 4186

Trim Depot, District Works Manager, Newtown, Trim, Co. Meath, (046) 943 1452

OPW Offices and Heritage Sites

Skellig