Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), John Brady, has said that a clear timeline is now required in the process of returning River Lodge in Newtownmountkennedy to the HSE, warning that every day of delay continues to cost taxpayers thousands of euros.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration made the decision to return the site to the HSE, following sustained pressure exerted by Deputy Brady after he uncovered detailed figures in his role as Chair of PAC, revealing the true scale of spending at the site.
Deputy Brady has engaged with the Department and got confirmation that it is now agreed that they will hand the site back to the HSE. However, no timeline is yet in place, the Department have stated they are in discussions regarding remedial ground works required on site before the transfer can be completed. The Department also state that security is to remain in place in the meantime, with costs continuing to mount while the site lies vacant.
Teachta Brady said:
“The absence of a clear timeline for the transfer of the site is absolutely unacceptable, given the scale of waste already exposed.
“More than €2.8 million was spent at the site in 2024, and despite operations ceasing in December of that year, a further €1.4 million was spent in 2025 – including €1.3 million on security alone for an entirely empty facility.
“Every single day that passes, thousands of euros more of taxpayers’ money is thrown away at a site that is lying idle.
“The Minister must intervene to ensure that the site is handed back as quickly as possible, all unnecessary spending is ended immediately, and the focus is on returning Trudder to the community.
“The belated move to transfer the site back to the HSE only came about because of the pressure I applied and the spotlight I put on this issue after exposing the extraordinary level of public money that was being squandered at this site.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that it was the embarrassment caused by exposing this waste of taxpayers’ money that forced Tánaiste Simon Harris to finally move on this issue..
“This level of waste was a kick in the teeth to the people of Newtownmountkennedy and to ordinary citizens already under severe pressure from the cost-of-living crisis.
“This waste has gone on long enough. The transfer of the site to the HSE must be moved forward urgently. I am engaging now with the HSE to push for the site to be given to the community for community purposes.”
ENDS