Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Decentralisation Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

72 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the present status of the decentralisation programme for Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

The Government decision to pursue a programme of decentralisation of Government Departments is progressing satisfactorily. The following is the position to date:

(a)Phase I

Phase I of the decentralisation programme was completed in 1989 and provided for the relocation of public servants to four provincial centres as follows:

Location	Date Completed	Department	Staff Numbers
Cavan	February 1989	Agriculture	150
Galway	March 1989	Defence	188
Sligo	March 1989	Social Welfare	310
Ballina	June 1989	Environment	265

(b)Phase II (Tranche I)

This provided for decentralisation to three provincial centres as follows:

Location	Date Completed	Department	Staff Numbers
Letterkenny	July 1990	Social Welfare	190
Killarney	July 1990	Justice	140
Athlone	July 1991	Education	180

(c)Phase II (Tranche II)

This comprises the following centres:

Location	Department	Staff Numbers
Ennis	Revenue	200 Completed September 1991
Nenagh	Revenue	200 Due for completion December 1991
Limerick	Revenue	550 Due for completion end of 1992

(d)Phase III (Tranche I)

Preliminary applications have been sought and received from developers interested in the following projects:

Location	Department	Staff Numbers
Cork	Central Statistics Office	500 approximately
Tullamore	Education	200 approximately
Longford	Social Welfare	200 approximately

The briefs of accommodation etc., are being finalised and when completed, tenders will be invited from selected developers in accordance with normal tendering procedures.

(e)Phase III (Tranche II)

The following projects are at preliminary planning stage:

Location	Department	Staff Numbers
Kilkenny	Marine/Companies Registration Office	125-150
Wexford	Environment/Revenue Commissioners	150-200
Portlaoise	Agriculture	150-200
Dundalk	Office of Public Works/Revenue Commissioners	125-150
Waterford	Social Welfare/Telecom	150-200