John Bruton
Question:164 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will provide a progress report on the EU veterinary health and plant office to be located at Grange, County Meath. [3233/98]
Written Answers. - EU Food and Veterinary Office.
The survey, planning, design and procurement of the building and facilities for the food and veterinary office of the EU Commission at Grange are being undertaken by the Office of Public Works. In addition, the Office of Public Works has advised my Department that planning permission has been secured and clearance to proceed to the next stage was received from the EU Commission at the end of October 1997.
I also understand from the Office of Public Works that the tender documents for the construction are almost complete and that client approval of this documentation will be sought later this week. Tender invitations will issue on receipt of such approval.
As the Deputy will be aware, the entrance to the new EU office will be near the Teagasc main entrance on the Trim road. Given the size and importance of the office it is desirable that access to and from the location be made as easy as possible. In this regard, Meath County Council has informed my Department that further improvements to the existing approach roads are planned and may commence during 1998.
Pending the construction of the offices at Grange, the Commission has rented offices in Blackrock, County Dublin. Currently there are 52 Commission staff of the FVO at that location, most of whom transferred from Brussels since 1 September last. Additional staff are expected to be appointed to the office during 1998.