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The once labelled 'self cleaning' Spire actually costs a considerable amount to maintain each year.

Erected in 2003 on the site of the old Nelson's Pillar, the O'Connell Street landmark was originally designed to allow rain to flow off it and bring dirt with it.

However the 121m monument has cost almost €400,000 to maintain over the past four years, according to information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The Herald report that in the first 10 months of 2017 the bill stands at over €65,000.

The costs of cleaning in 2013 was €80,552, €84,103 in 2014, €72,980 in 2015 and €80,414 last year.

Dublin City Council says the "competitive tendering for the maintenance and cleaning of the Spire has meant more choice between contractors and lower costs, in the region of €80,000 annually".

The council says the following works are involved in maintaining the Spire:

-Supervision and management

-Health and safety oversight

-Electrical installation

-Architectural and aviation lighting

-Structural and safety inspections

-Daily cleaning

-Remote alarm monitoring

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Independent city councillor Mannix Flynn told the paper: "We need a full evaluation of what kind of monies we're spending here."