The president of the Garda Representative Association has accused the Office of Public Works of continuing to squander public money with no concept of value.
Michael O'Boyce told delegates at their annual conference that the OPW spent €15,000 refurbishing a gym in Letterkenny for which they had been quoted €5,000.
He also claimed that the Office spent €16,500 to put a shower in Ballinhassig Garda Station, €4,050 for 10 square yards of floor covering for Churchill Garda Station and €1,100 to replace three bulbs in another station.
The OPW has totally rejected the claims saying the figures quoted do not include the ancillary plumbing and other works.
A spokesman pointed out that in Ballinahassig for example, it is not just an electric shower that has to put in, the entire shower room has to be built, and OPW is still awaiting approval from the Garda authorities.
He also said he could not respond to the light bulbs claim because the station in question was not specified.
The Minister for Justice was due to address the conference this afternoon but cannot now because he is unable to leave the Dáil because of a vote.
