13 Billion
In 2024, Ireland’s long tax battle with Apple ended with a €13 billion windfall. But how far could that money really go? Scroll through 13 of the country’s most memorable public-spending moments for scale.
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Security Huts
€1.43m per security hut
In 2024, it emerged that a new security hut at Government Buildings cost €1.43 million - prompting national head-scratching.
Source: Irish Times
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Bike Sheds
€336k per bike shed
Also in 2024, the Oireachtas bike shelter - costing €336,000 and fitting a modest number of bikes - became a national meme.
Source: Irish Times
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Printers
€2m per printer
In 2019, a Dáil printer bought for over €2 million made headlines when it didn’t fit in its room without costly works.
Source: TheJournal.ie
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Baths
€18m per bath
In 2022, the long-promised public baths renovation cost €18 million, opened with no actual swimming pool.
Source: Irish Independent
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Metro
~€10bn for a metro line
Dublin’s long-discussed metro carries a price tag in the ten-billion ballpark.
Source: Irish Times
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Childrens Hospitals
~€2.24bn per hospital
The National Children’s Hospital has grown into a multi-billion euro build.
Source: RTÉ
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Broadband Rollouts
~€3bn per rollout
The National Broadband Plan’s cost climbed to roughly €3 billion.
Source: RTÉ
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Government Jets
~€53m per jet
In 2024, the government confirmed a new jet purchase around the €53 million mark.
Source: Irish Independent
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Modular Homes
€436,000 per home
In 2024, it emerged that Ireland’s modular housing programme for refugees and social tenants came with a price tag of about €436,000 per unit.
Source: RTÉ
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Spires
~€4.6m per spire
Dublin's Spire cost around €4 million back in 2003.
Source: Irish Times
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E-voting Machines
€6,800 per machine
In the 2000s, Ireland bought over 7,500 e-voting machines for €54 million. They were never used, cost millions to store, and were sold for scrap in 2013.
Source: Irish Times
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Arts Council IT projects
€6.7m per project
In 2024, the Arts Council abandoned a new IT system after spending €6.7 million. Only a fraction was reusable and legal action followed.
Source: TheJournal.ie
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White Water Rafting Facilities
€25m per project
Dublin’s George’s Dock white-water rafting plan rose from ~€12m to ~€25m before funding was refused and the project shelved in 2021.
Source: Irish Times
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