asked the Minister for Finance the date of the Government decision to transfer part of the Department of Defence to Galway; if he will outline the steps taken to date to implement this decision; and whether an architect has been appointed to design new buildings.
Written Answers. - Decentralisation of Department.
65.
On 17 July 1979 a Government decision was taken to transfer approximately 160 staff to Galway; this number was subsequently increased to 200 by Government decision taken on 1 October 1980.
The sections to be transferred have been identified and the problems likely to be associated with their transfer are being studied in the Department of Defence.
The Commissioners of Public Works have appointed an architect to handle the project. A preliminary sketch scheme to meet the accommodation requirements of the Department has been prepared and work is expected to commence later this year.