Irish Government Puts Out €295K Tender For Creation Of A “National Conversation” Around GPO Redevelopment

The Office of Public Works has issued a tender worth €295,000 for prospective contractors to oversee a “national conversation” about the development of the General Post Office complex, or the GPO, situated on O’Connell Street in Dublin.

The GPO is Dublin’s primary post office, and was used as a headquarters for the leaders of the Easter Rising. It also houses a museum dedicated to its role in the Rising. 

The Office of Public Works has not published any detailed plan for the redevelopment of the GPO. Prospective plans for the new GPO complex include commercial units, a new garda station, or the relocation of the RTÉ. 

On their website, the Government has expressed its intention to appoint a “suitably qualified team” to the discussion on future development for the site. The tender calls for public engagement on a local, citywide and national level, and the usage of the site itself as well as the area surrounding the site to facilitate this discussion.

The tender follows several scandals involving the Office of Public Works’ use of state funds. The OPW has been previously under fire for spending over €335,000 to construct a bicycle shelter outside Leinster House, as well as spending over €1.5 million on a security hut outside the Government Buildings.