Tara Street fire station in Dublin was estimated to cost £2.4 million, but eventually cost £4.4 million, according to Mr Purcell. The project was begun and the construction tender accepted without the Department of the Environment's approval, but the Department subsequently provided £1 million in funding.
Mr Purcell was told by the Department that its 1996 decision to refuse grant aid for the new station was considered somewhat harsh two years later and so the £1 million was provided. The new station represented excellent value for money as far as the Department was concerned.