Photograph: Bryan O’BrienThe construction of 14 steps and a ramp as part of a new entrance to a South Dublin park ended up costing more than €500,000 above the original estimated cost. The National Transport Authority (NTA) said the ultimate bill of more than €750,000 for the project at Deer Park in Mount Merrion represented “a significant increase over the initial cost estimates” provided by a local authority for the project. The Irish Times reported in November that the works, which involved the building of 14 steps and a ramp at Deer Park, had cost a total of €753,500 including VAT. The National Transport Authority said this figure set out in a cost report was “a potential estimate” and was not realised. The park at Mount Merrion is run by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which developed the project, but funding was provided by the NTA.

Source: The Irish Times January 15, 2026 09:01 UTC