Cost of computer system project was 10 times above original estimate

A PROJECT designed to introduce an integrated computer system across the institutes of technology cost more than €58 million — 10 times more than originally estimated.

In 1995, the project was given a price tag not exceeding €5.1m; three years later it was revised to €25.7m; by July 2001, the estimated cost was set at €44.5m — although the scope of work involved in the final estimate was less than that envisaged under the 1998 figure.

Ultimately, the project, designed to introduce integrated management information systems across the 15 institutes, cost €58.4m, €5.7m more than the final approved budget.