asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in relocating the office of the Department of Social Welfare in Dungarvan, County Waterford, in view of the lack of proper facilities in the existing office; the date on which new premises were acquired; when same will be ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Office Relocation.
45.
Plans for the relocation of the Department of Social Welfare in Dungarvan are at an advanced stage.
A building at Church Street, Dungarvan was acquired at the end of March, 1988 to house the Department of Social Welfare and a number of other Departments. One of these, the Department of Forestry, became a Semi-State body, Coillte Teoranta, and its changed status meant that that body had to be given time to consider its new position in respect of accommodation requirements and the funding for any fitting-out work to the area it was to occupy.
I would estimate that the building will be ready for occupation in about 5 to 6 months, allowing for builders' holidays.