asked the Minister for Finance, having regard to the Government's programme for the decentralisation of offices, if he will in respect of all such proposals indicate: (a) the location of each proposal (b) the size in terms of number of floors and floor area of each proposal (c) the capital cost of each proposal (d) the name of the person or persons to whom the contract was awarded (e) the commencement date for each proposal (f) the completion date for each proposal and (g) the Department or Departments which will occupy the completed offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Decentralisation of Offices.
52.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
(a) The 12 centres chosen by the Government for decentralisation of offices are Athlone, Ballina, Cavan, Dundalk, Ennis, Galway, Killarney, Letterkenny, Limerick, Nenagh, Sligo and Waterford.
(b) The Government decision related to the numbers of staff to be decentralised to each centre. It is a matter for the developers to submit designs for whatever number of storeys they may propose on condition, of course, that a minimum floor area is provided to cater for the numbers involved. Thus it is only in respect of the four centres where contracts have been placed that I can give particulars under this heading and these are as follows:
The building in Ballina has been designed as two storeyed, the building in Galway as three storeyed over part basement and the buildings in Cavan and Sligo as part two storeyed, part three storeyed over part basement. The nett floor area involved in each of those centres is as follows: Ballina — 39,700 sq. ft.; Cavan — 34,700 sq. ft.; Galway — 39,300 sq. ft. and Sligo — 60,500 sq. ft.
(c) Details of the capital costs of the projects where contracts have been placed cannot be given as this would involve disclosure of confidential information. The capital cost is not of course established at this stage in the case of the other projects.
(d) The contract for Ballina was awarded to Belderris Ltd., 2 Francis Street, Galway and the contract for Galway was awarded to Rohan Construction Ltd., Ballinacurra, Midleton, Co. Cork. The contracts for Cavan and Sligo were awarded to Casellara Ltd., Wilton Works, Naas Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
(e) The contract for Sligo was awarded on 22 January 1988. The contracts for Galway and Cavan were awarded on 3 and 18 February 1988 respectively. The contract for Ballina was awarded on 4 March 1988. In each case works started almost immediately.
(f) Ballina is due for completion on 4 July 1989, Cavan on 18 February 1989, Galway on 3 June 1989 and Sligo on 22 May 1989. All are on programme.
(g) The Departments/Offices which will occupy the accommodation are as follows: Department of Education, Athlone; Department of the Environment, Ballina; Department of Agriculture and Food, Cavan; The Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Ennis, Limerick and Nenagh; Department of Defence, Galway; Department of Justice, Killarney; Department of Social Welfare, Letterkenny and Sligo.
A decision has not yet been made as to the Departments to be decentralised to Dundalk and Waterford. In addition, wherever possible and necessary, existing Government staffs in the centres chosen will be relocated in the new offices.
In summary the position is that the Government's programme is being implemented as follows:
Phase I — Ballina, Cavan, Galway, Sligo. Work in progress and due for completion in 1989.
Phase II (Stage I) Athlone, Killarney, Letterkenny. Tenders due 14 December 1988. Contracts should be placed early in 1989. Due for completion 1990.
(Stage II) Ennis, Nenagh. Advertisements have been published seeking applications from developers to be considered for invitation to tender. Applications are due by 30 November 1988.
Limerick — A possible solution to the accommodation problem in Limerick may be found in an existing building and this option as well as that of constructing and requisite accommodation is at present being considered.
The means of providing accommodation in Limerick is under active consideration and I would hope to be in a position to make an announcement in this matter shortly.