More than €12m spent to refurbish Dublin Castle for Ireland’s EU presidency

President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola (left) and the Taoiseach Micheál Martin (right) at Dublin Castle on Tuesday. Dublin Castle will host 100 events during Ireland’s EU presidency. Photo: Sam Boal/Collin Photos

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has already spent more than €12.5m refurbishing Dublin Castle ahead of Ireland’s EU presidency.

Streets around Dublin Castle have been closed in recent days, with residents forced to show proof of address before gaining access, as security in the city tightens ahead of the presidency starting on Wednesday.

Figures provided to the Irish Examiner by the OPW confirm that some €12.55m has been spent renovating Dublin Castle, which will host 100 events.

This includes works to the Hibernia Conference Centre, which the OPW said had “not undergone a significant refurbishment in over 40 years”.

It also includes: 

• a full upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems across the complex; 
• modernisation of the auditorium and translation booths; 
• acoustic improvements in conference and dining spaces; 
• upgraded kitchen facilities for State functions; 
• refurbished reception, seminar, and bathroom facilities; 
• and “decorative upgrades”, including a “Green Corridor,” which will “provide high-quality office accommodation for EU delegations”.

The OPW also updated The Printworks building, including the creation of new dining spaces, as well as the installation and upgrade of catering facilities.

The bill for upgrades to the Printworks and Hibernia Conference Centre to date has amounted to €11.45m. In addition, some €1.08m has been spent on renovating George’s Hall.

• Louise Burne is a political correspondent for the Irish Examiner