Spending on security trebled amid threat to public figures

The erection of fences or walls, locking systems for doors, and installation of CCTV have all been part of the increased security at the private residences of public figures in recent years.

The Office of Public Works more than tripled its spending on “security arrangements” at private residences to over €700,000 last year, as security was ratcheted up following a spate of protests outside the homes of public figures in recent years.

In correspondence sent to the Public Accounts Committee, and seen by the Irish Examiner, it details how this figure rose significantly from the €213,024 spent for similar security arrangements in 2020.