Clare County Council was accused of squandering €1.6 million after it abandoned a plan yesterday to relocate its headquarters to the former Our Lady's psychiatric hospital site in Ennis.
The council confirmed that it will instead build new offices on its existing headquarter's site near the centre of Ennis.
The U-turn comes five years after it paid €1.14 million to the Mid-Western Health Board for the hospital.
Since then the council has paid €1.6 million to consultants and security firms. The council has struggled to cater for its growing workforce.
It was forced to erect Portakabins to provide office accommodation at its existing headquarters.
While the council may be able to recover the purchase price through selling the property, it will not be able to recoup any of the fees paid for security.
Cllr Brian Meaney (Green Party) yesterday accused the council of "a wanton waste of money.
"The 1.6 million euro is money that might as well have been flushed down the drain.
"The council has nothing to show for it and the office of the Auditor and Comptroller General must be brought in to investigate the decision-making process that has resulted in this waste of tax-payers' money."
Cllr Meaney added: "Was any account taken that the Our Lady's building is a rundown, sprawling 19th-century hospital structure, which is also a protected building, which would seriously narrow the council options in developing the site?
"My guess is no, and that should be examined."
The decision by the council not to relocate to the hospital site it bought was revealed in a brief statement yesterday when the council announced that Michael McNamara & Co is to provide a new headquarters on the council's existing site.
The company's bid was one of 13 submissions received by the council after seeking expressions of interest from developers for a corporate headquarters for the council last year.
Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind)said the money spent on Our Lady's was a matter of ongoing concern. Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) said it was too early to say if money was lost by the council on Our Lady's pending the sale of the property, as the appreciation of the property may cover the council's costs
The issue is expected to be debated at the council's September meeting next Monday.
