Some of the most recognisable properties in the country are held by the government. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has one of the largest and most diverse property portfolios, ranging from important buildings such as Dublin Castle to Garda stations and government offices.
A focus of OPW is to get value for money while providing accommodation that meets the operational needs of government.
The OPW manages over 2,000 buildings spread over 1,700 properties throughout the country.
The efficient procurement and management of accommodation for government departments and agencies is critical to the success of government strategy.
The Office of Public Works' large property portfolio provides and sources accommodation for central government departments and agencies.
Read more about management of the property portfolio.
Property Maintenance Services provides a service for clients and building users and to other Office of Public Works business units. It is responsible for maintaining the value and condition of the State's property portfolio, including cultural institutions and heritage properties.
Read more about maintaining the property portfolio.
Estate Project Delivery Units, supported by OPW architectural and engineering expertise, delivers new construction, refurbishment, conservation and major maintenance projects on behalf of the State and the Office of Public Works' customers.
Read more about construction projects.
The Office of the State/Principal Architect is responsible for leading and managing the Office’s architectural team, with oversight of the architectural input to construction projects, maintenance of the quality of the fabric of the State’s property portfolio and the conservation of heritage properties in State care, as well as being the main advisor to the Government in relation to architectural matters.
The OPW architectural team provides our clients with design, construction and support services that meet their requirements. The architectural team have implemented a Quality Management System that meets the requirement of IS EN ISO 90001:2000.
The OPW has received many architectural awards from the Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI), Architectural Association (AAI) and OPUS, and has won the prestigious Europa Nostra Medal and the European Award for Cultural Heritage.
Examples of previous work done include:
The Art Management Office of the OPW manages and maintains the Irish State Art Collection, acquires and commissions artworks for display in OPW managed properties and provides assistance and advice to OPW colleagues on art-related projects and initiatives.
The Art Management Office implements the government’s Per Cent for Art Scheme and provides advice and art valuation services on art and cultural projects on behalf of the government.
The Art Management Office also collaborates with arts organisations, local authorities and other relevant bodies to support the arts nationally and internationally and creates public awareness of the collection through exhibitions and publications.
Read more about Irish State Art Collection
OPW is pleased to launch ‘Irish Heritage Studies. The annual research journal of the Office of Public Works’, published in association with Gandon Editions.
The journal will showcase original critical research rooted in the substantial portfolio of material culture in the care of or managed by the OPW: built heritage; historic, artistic, literary and scientific collections; the national and international histories associated with these places and objects; and its own long organisational history. Papers will contribute to a deeper understanding of this important collection of national heritage, and investigate new perspectives on aspects of its history. The journal is intended for a broad public, specialist and professional readership.
Read more about Irish Heritage Studies , the annual research journal of the Office of Public Works