The Department of the Environment yesterday said a Fine Gael TD appeared to know little about the workings of the Oireachtas when he issued a statement criticising the restoration of the lawn at Leinster House.
Alan Shatter had called for an immediate stop to plans to restore the lawn, parts of which were removed 10 years ago to provide parking spaces for politicians, public servants and journalists.
Mr Shatter said the project will cost €230,000 plus an additional annual expense for the rental of parking spaces, 68 of which will be lost when the lawn is fully restored.
However, Minister for the Environment John Gormley’s spokesman said the decision to proceed with the project was not his responsibility.