Assignment of Responsibilities under the
Public Service Management Act 1997

Structure of the Office
The core functions of the Office of Public Works (OPW) relate to two main areas of operation: 
Estate Portfolio Management and
Flood Risk Management
and these functional areas are supported by Corporate Services.

Estate Portfolio Management:
The OPW provides a shared service in the area of property management and property maintenance incorporating architectural, engineering, valuation, quantity surveying, project management and facilities management services to central Government Departments and Agencies. OPW is the leading agency in the country in the areas of conservation and the presentation of cultural and heritage properties. The Office is responsible for some 780 National Monuments such as Newgrange and the Rock of Cashel. It also manages some of the most prestigious Historic Properties in the Country, e.g. Dublin Castle and Castletown House.  A Business Transformation Unit has been established to address the recommendations arising from the Capacity and Capability Review of the Estate Portfolio Management function completed in 2014.  

Flood Risk Management:
The OPW is the lead agency for flood risk management in Ireland. It is, therefore, responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive policies and strategies for flood risk management.
The primary functions of this programme are:
to develop and deliver on flood risk management work programmes and measures;
to maintain an effective programme of maintenance of river courses drained under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts: and
to advise the Government on flood risk management and flood risk management policy.
 
Corporate Services:
The above areas of activity are supported internally by Corporate Services which include functions such as Personnel and Development, Accounts and Financial Management, Information & Communication Technology and other services necessary for the day to day operations of the Office. 

Management Advisory Committee (MAC)
The function of the MAC is to advise the Chairman on the overall management of the Office.  The MAC comprises:

• The Chairman
• The Commissioners of Public Works
• All Directors of functions within the Office

In addition, while not a member of the MAC, the Head of Personnel and Development Services attends MAC meetings.