OPW spent four times morelast year on sites and buildings

The Office of Public Works (OPW) spent almost €125 million last year on sites and buildings, almost four times what it spent the previous year.

Figures from the 2006 annual report show that the OPW, which has responsibility for the State's buildings, spent €124,214,000 in 2006 compared to €30.754 million in 2005.

A OPW spokesman said that while a significant amount was spent on properties as part of the decentralisation programme, other buildings and sites were also purchased for State agencies and for new Garda stations.

He added that some purchases, linked to decentralisation were expected to be completed in 2005, but were not finalised until last year.

The State's property agent also spent €132.435 million on rent and rates, an increase of just under €11 million compared to 2005.

The OPW's total spending for 2006 amounted to €808.288 million, an increase of just under €200 million on the previous year.

The Government Supplies Agency, part of the OPW and which provides goods and services to departments and offices, spent almost €81 million, an increase of €25 million.

Just under €29 million was spent on vehicles and transport equipment. Extra Garda vehicles were bought because of increased Garda personnel, according to the report.