Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has said the Office of Public Works has questions to answer after it emerged that a bicycle shelter installed at Leinster House last year cost an estimated €335,000.
Mr Ryan said the cost of the shelter to store 18 bikes seems to be "incredibly expensive".
"I look forward to listening to the OPW and talking to the OPW as to why it was so expensive," he said.
''They [may] have their own reasons, but I must admit I was shocked when I saw the price, we need to do things cheaper than that all over the country."
Mr Ryan said the Government has to show that "we spend public money wisely and that sort of cost seems to be very, very high".
The minister also said that growing numbers are using public transport and that more bus shelters are needed all over the country.
The Taoiseach said he has no knowledge or information in relation to the bike shelter.
"I do think it's very important that public money is always carefully spent," Simon Harris told RTÉ News during a press conference at Farmleigh House, adding that the issue is "matter for the Oireachtas".
The shelter, previously hailed by Mr Ryan as a good example of public sector climate action, even required archaeological advice to make sure it fit in at the parliamentary complex.
A breakdown of costs from the OPW shows that €322,282 was spent on the main construction and installation project.
A further €2,952 was spent on archaeological services while €10,816 was paid for quantity surveying services and "contract administration services".
The huge bill has raised eyebrows in Leinster House, but the OPW said a high-quality structure was needed because of its sensitive location.
Asked for a copy of the business case for the project, the OPW said none had been needed.
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In an information note, it said: "The work referred to was carried out … as part of the ongoing essential maintenance and upgrade works that are undertaken within the Leinster House Complex and other OPW-owned buildings.
"This is one of the core functions and responsibilities of OPW and to this end there is a continuous programme of essential fabric and upgrade works identified by the OPW team responsible for the complex, working with Oireachtas Facilities."
In a statement to RTÉ's News At One, it said: "The bicycle shelter is a new structure located within the setting of Leinster House, a protected structure of national importance. In response to the character of the historic setting a well-designed structure with high-quality materials and finish were required.
"The shelter was constructed in accordance with the specifications of the Part 9 Planning application and included materials of steel, glass and Irish granite.
"The works carried out within the grounds of the protected structure were designed to be of a quality in keeping with the historic landscape of the national parliament."
The stand was built with a special cantilevered canopy that is designed to protect from the prevailing northerly winds.
It has not been fully enclosed however, with some believing it leaves their bikes too exposed to the elements.
Additional reporting: Jackie Fox, Ken Foxe
