Leinster House bike shed

€335k for a Bike Shed? Just Buy a Fancy Bike Instead!

Hold onto your helmets! A bike shed at Leinster House costs more than most people’s houses. Eamon Ryan wants answers!

In what has sparked a whirlwind of debate and disbelief, the recent revelation about the cost of a new bike shelter at Leinster House topping €335,000 has left many, including Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, utterly stunned. The shed, which accommodates just 18 bicycles, has been described by the Minister as a concerning expenditure, and he's not wrong! At a price point that could make you rethink your entire approach to cycling, questions are flying about the justification for such an expense, particularly in today’s climate of financial scrutiny.

Minister Ryan, often seen as Ireland's cycle champion, was the first to express shock at the bill, prompting him to call out the Office of Public Works (OPW) for some clear rationale behind such exorbitant costs. The idea that a structure allowing for the protection of a mere dozen bikes could demand such a hefty price tag sounds more like a punchline than a public sector project. Imagine all the cool accessories or even an entire luxury bike you could buy for that amount!

The media has also jumped on the bandwagon, highlighting how an ordinary bike shed now seems to cost more than a small house in some parts of Ireland. Renowned journalists and commentators are asking: is this really a good example of public sector climate action? Or is it a classic case of public funds being mismanaged? The Taoiseach himself has expressed a desire for value for taxpayer money, declaring that it's essential for the public to know they are funding wise investments, especially regarding environmental initiatives.

For those fascinated by the secret life of bike sheds, it turns out this particular structure required some archaeological advice before it could be built. Yes, you read that right! Apparently, the OPW needed to ensure that construction wouldn't disturb any potential historical artifacts buried beneath the surface—maybe even a wheel from the first penny-farthing!

Interestingly, the Dutch government launched a series of initiatives to incentivise cycling, which resulted in the construction of bike sheds—at a fraction of the cost. In Amsterdam, they’ve taken bike shelters to a whole new level with dozens of beautifully designed bike parks that are functional without breaking the bank. Let’s hope Ireland's adventures in public spending lead to a similar sense of innovation and necessity!