Ex-minister in charge of OPW when security hut was built only heard of cost at PAC hearing

Patrick O'Donovan was in the role at the time both the security hut and bike shed were constructed at Government buildings

Patrick O'Donovan said he only became aware of the price tag on the hut when the chairman of the OPW appeared before the committee and heard about the bike shed through the media. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA

Patrick O'Donovan has said that the first he heard of the €1.4m spend on the security hut at Government buildings was when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was informed.

The former minister of state with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) was in the role at the time both the security hut and bike shed were constructed.