asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will outline in detail the progress to date in implementing the Government's decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.
218.
In October 1980 the then Government announced that some 3,200 civil service posts would be relocated in new purpose-built accommodation in 12 provincial centres. The centres designated were Athlone, Ballina, Cavan, Dundalk, Ennis, Galway, Killarney, Letterkenny, Limerick, Nenagh, Sligo and Waterford. Up to June 1981 considerable progress was achieved — particularly in relation to site acquisition, planning and design of the new offices. However, after the 1981 General Election, the incoming Government placed the programme under review and so it remained throughout their term of office.
Since assuming office the present Government have reactivated the programme, and arrangements are again in hands for its early implementation. In five centres the stage has been reached where advertisements have now been placed inviting proposals for the provision of the necessary offices. Work is proceeding on the other seven centres and similar proposals will be sought in respect of these offices as soon as practicable. The five centres for which proposals are now being sought and the numbers of staff involved are: 200 Department of Defence staff to Galway, 130 Department of Justice staff to Killarney, 270 Department of Social Welfare staff to Sligo, 200 Department of the Environment staff to Ballina, 180 Department of Education staff to Athlone.