OPW pays more than €31m in office rent this year as calls grow for value-for-money review

Detailed lease figures reveal millions spent on rented government offices, with several buildings costing taxpayers more than €1m annually

In Cork, Abbeycourt House on George's Quay has cost €325,000 so far this year. Picture: Larry Cummins

The OPW has paid out more than €31m in rent for properties across the country so far this year, leading to calls for a value-for-money review of leasing accommodation.

In Dublin, eight buildings have cost more than €1m each in rent so far this year, the most costly being Meisian Plaza, which houses the departments of health and children. The State has paid just over €4.4m so far this year for the offices under a 25-year lease secured in 2017.