The chair of the Public Accounts Committee has said that the fact a residence used by former Garda Commissioner Drew Harris remains empty more than six months after Mr Harris left office “defies belief”. The OPW has confirmed that the former Commissioner’s Phoenix Park residence Spa Lodge, on which more than €600,000 was spent in refurbishments and security upgrades prior to Mr Harris taking up residence, is one of 11 State-owned properties in the park currently lying idle. Former Commissioner Harris left his post last September after a seven-year term. The OPW said in its statement to Mr Brady that the 11 properties vacant “require upgrading (or) refurbishment or and not currently suitable for occupation”. It is unclear whether Mr Harris or An Garda Siochana paid the rent in question.

Source: Irish Examiner February 22, 2026 03:09 UTC