LAST UPDATE | 23 Jun

WHILE THE GPO is being redeveloped under a multi-million Euro plan, government departments might be moving to the site on O’Connell Street. 

Announcing the planned re-development of the historic building, which was the headquarters of the 1916 Rising, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the project will cost between €200 and €500 million.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) will prepare design proposals for the future use of the complex, but before that happens, a wide-ranging public consultation process will begin later this year at a cost of €300,000. 

The minister said the consultation will facilitate a national conversation about the future of the GPO complex through an engaging programme of public events. 

However, in the meantime, while the project design is being worked out, some government department offices could move to the GPO. 

Chambers said there is an opportunity for different departments or agencies in the public service to move into the building, in addition to using some of the free space on the site for civic and cultural use. 

The minister said it would be great to have more people in the building and to maximise the unused space in the interim period, while the GPO is being developed. 

Moving some departments to the O’Connell street site would decrease the wider cost exposure of the OPW and government departments around leased accommodation, with many government departments currently renting out private property for its offices. 

Ministers Jack Chambers; Kevin 'Boxer' Moran and Frank Feighan in the Telegraph Room in the GPO today. Christina Finn Christina Finn

“So that is something that we’re considering in the context of the plan that we’re announcing today,” he said. 

Since the announcement last year that the site was to be revamped, there have been criticisms of the site being commercialised. 

However, the minister dismissed it today, stating that the project is being driven in the public interest.

“We want people to be involved, included, and to shape the future of the GPO. The mandated focus here isn’t a commercial one, it’s very much state-led, shaped by community and people who understand the huge historical significance of the GPO,” said Chambers. 

Minister Jack Chambers speaking about the redevelopment of the GPO on O’Connell Street.

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— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8.bsky.social) June 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM

Aside from government offices, some unused parts of the building will be available for community events while the long-term plan is drawn up.

It is expected that the redevelopment will again include a public post office.

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There is also likely to be a cultural centre, as well as space for retail.

Heated exchanges over the GPO

The redevelopment of the site has resulted in heated exchanges in the Dáil on the matter between Tánaiste Simon Harris and Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty in the past. 

During a debate last year, Doherty accused the government of “disrespecting and vandalising” Irish history.

Doherty had asked why they’d chosen to open shops and offices in complex of the GPO on O’Connell Street, arguing that it was an inappropriate use of the historic building.

In response, Harris accused him of “revisionism” and said Sinn Féin has worked to “undermine” the Republic.

“Don’t you dare present yourself as a defender of the Republic. There’s gardaí dead in this country as a result of the actions of your party’s army wing,” he said.