Sinn Féin Condemns €100,000 Bike Shed Plan for Dublin Hospital

Plans for a new bike shed at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, estimated to cost up to €100,000, have sparked criticism from Sinn Féin leaders. Mary Lou McDonald, the party’s president, described the proposal as “unacceptable” and indicative of a broader issue regarding public spending under the current government.

The project, which aims to provide a secure parking facility for the increasing number of staff who cycle to work, has drawn ire due to its cost. A notice on the Government’s e-tenders website has called for submissions for a design-build team to create the new shelter. McDonald stated that this initiative represents “another outrageous waste of public money” during the incumbency of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

In response to the concerns, the National Maternity Hospital clarified that the maximum value of the tender is indeed €100,000, and the project will undergo a competitive tendering process. A spokesperson indicated that the facility is necessary given the growing number of staff cycling to work, particularly those on lengthy 12-hour shifts. The objective is to ensure that personnel have a “safe and secure facility in which to park.”

The project will involve demolishing the existing bike shed, removing debris, and improving the ground conditions, with plans for the new structure to include sensor lighting. The hospital confirmed that it received funding for this initiative through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel programme.

Criticism of the expenditure has also come from Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty. He emphasized that “no lessons” have been learned from a previous incident involving a bike shed at Leinster House, which cost taxpayers over €335,000 and provoked significant public outcry. Doherty asserted that such spending is “totally unacceptable” given the pressing demands on the public health service.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Infrastructure, Emer Higgins, addressed the controversy during an appearance on RTÉ’s Week on Politics. She acknowledged that the previous incident at Leinster House “should not have happened” but argued that access to bike shelters for medical staff remains essential. Higgins stressed the importance of learning from past experiences and ensuring transparency in public spending. She expressed hope that the current project will deliver “the best possible value for money.”

As discussions continue, the debate surrounding the planned bike shed at the National Maternity Hospital highlights the broader issue of public expenditure and the scrutiny faced by government projects in Ireland.