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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 3

Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.

Donal Carey

Question:

171 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a joint application from Kilrush, County Clare, Newcastle West, County Limerick, and Listowel, County Kerry, for consideration in his new decentralisation programme; and when he will make an announcement regarding the new list. [14197/01]

Donal Carey

Question:

172 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications he is considering for sites in his next departmental decentralisation programmes; and the basic criteria which will be the guiding principles in his final selection. [14198/01]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 171and 172 together.

I recently received a joint application on behalf of Kilrush, County Clare, Newcastle West, County Limerick, and Listowel, County Kerry. This submission, along with the many others received by my Department, will be fully considered as part of the Government's deliberations in relation to a new programme of decentralisation.

The issue of the number of centres in which decentralised offices will be located is just one of many to be considered by the Government as part of its deliberations in relation to a new programme and until such time as all these issues have been considered, I cannot say how many locations are likely to be included in the new programme. While decisions in relation to the selection of suitable locations will be influenced by many wide ranging factors such as the encouragement of economic activity, infrastructural capacity and the efficient and effective delivery of public services, I do not consider it helpful to set out an exhaustive list of such criteria. While the work of the Cabinet sub-committee is progressing with a view to the Government being in a position to take decisions in relation to a new programme, I cannot, at this time, say when an announcement in relation to the new programme is likely.

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