Board of Works

Board of Works (Office of Public Works), established in 1831, reflecting the anxiety of British politicians to promote the economic improvement of Ireland and thus to reduce poverty and disorder. Consisting of three salaried commissioners, plus staff, the board took over duties previously performed by a number of different bodies, including the directors‐general of inland navigation, the Dublin Board of Works, and the commissioners of civil buildings. In addition to being responsible for expenditure of public money on projects such as the completion of Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) and Dunmore harbours, the board was empowered to make loans, not exceeding £500,000 in total, for works initiated either by local authorities or by private individuals. A further £50,000 was made available for distribution as free grants for the construction of roads and bridges in poor districts.

Over the following decades the board's functions were extended to encompass fisheries, drainage, and railways. Its lending powers were also increased. Loans were made available for a variety of purposes from drainage and sanitary improvements to the erection of labourers' cottages. The number of public buildings in the board's charge grew to include the Queen's Colleges and all buildings connected with the Royal Irish Constabulary, the post office, and the national school system. In 1882 it was made responsible for the preservation of national monuments. Between 1831 and 1914 the board paid out £49 million in grants and loans. Not all of this money was well spent. Despite the substantial sums invested in inland navigation, for example, Irish waterways failed to become profitable concerns.

The greatest challenge faced by the board, and to which, ultimately, it proved unequal, came during the Famine, when for a two‐year period (1845–7) it was the primary body responsible for relief. Required to adhere to strict rules concerning the type of public works undertaken and the wages paid, the board was criticized by landlords for sponsoring useless works, and by tenants for the inadequacy of the relief thus provided.

The Board of Works was transferred to the Irish Free State in 1922 and placed under the control of the Department of Finance. Its responsibilities are now largely confined to the construction and maintenance of public buildings.

Bibliography

Griffiths, Tony , The Irish Board of Works 1831–78 (1987)
Lohan, Rena , Guide to the Archives of the Office of Public Works (1994)

Virginia Crossman