Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
214 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if, during discussions on decentralisation, consideration was given to moving the section of the Revenue Commissioners which is due to go to Athy, County Kildare to Wicklow Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29424/04]
View answerA wide range of factors were taken into account and measured against each other in selecting locations for the new decentralised offices. For example, the need to achieve a fit with the national spatial strategy, in terms of the gateways, hubs and their respective catchments as well as the location of existing decentralised offices was considered. The importance of respecting the scale and character of locations in terms of their capacity to absorb the number of new jobs involved was also a factor. In addition, the desirability of clustering a Department's decentralised units within a region and the existence of good transport links by road, rail and/or air, and the general infrastructural capacity in the areas, were also considered.
215 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have applied to be decentralised to Birr; if Birr will be included in the first tranche of decentralisation; the estimated time for completion of the programme to Birr; if a location has been found and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29462/04]
View answerThe number of persons who applied to be decentralised to Birr is 69. I expect to receive a report very shortly from the decentralisation implementation group, the Flynn group, outlining its proposals on the sequencing and timing of the first phase of moves. Until I have received the report and the Government has had an opportunity to consider its contents I am not in a position to say which locations will be included in the first phase of the relocation programme.
The evaluation of property proposals for most locations is currently at an advanced stage and a number of possible property proposal solutions have been identified.
216 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have applied to be decentralised to Edenderry; if Edenderry will be included in the first tranche of decentralisation; the estimated time for completion of the programme to Edenderry; if a location has been found and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29464/04]
View answerThe number of persons who applied to be decentralised to Edenderry is 53. I expect to receive a report very shortly from the decentralisation implementation group, the Flynn group, outlining its proposals on the sequencing and timing of the first phase of moves.
Until I have received the report and the Government has had an opportunity to consider its contents I am not in a position to say which locations will be included in the first phase of the relocation programme.
The evaluation of property proposals for most locations is currently at an advanced stage and a number of possible property proposal solutions have been identified.
217 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance if Port Laoise will be included in the first tranche of decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29465/04]
View answerI expect to receive a report very shortly from the decentralisation implementation group, the Flynn group, outlining its proposals on the sequencing and timing of the first phase of moves.
Until I have received the report and the Government has had an opportunity to consider its contents I am not in a position to say which locations will be included in the first phase of the relocation programme.
218 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who have applied to be decentralised to Tullamore; if Tullamore will be included in the first tranche of decentralisation; the estimated time for completion of the programme to Tullamore; if a location has been found and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29466/04]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the data from the central applications facility, CAF, published in September showed that a total of 116 persons have applied for decentralisation to Tullamore as their first choice.
The next stage of the decentralisation process is the selection of organisations for inclusion in the first phase of moves and the sequencing and timing of such moves. An analysis of the figures emerging from the CAF and any relevant property and business aspects is being undertaken by the decentralisation implementation group. Pending completion of this work it is not possible to state if Tullamore will be included in the first tranche of decentralisation or to give an estimated time for completion of the programme to Tullamore.
My Department has provided its accommodation requirements for Tullamore to the Office of Public Works, OPW, which is co-ordinating the procurement of property for all Departments and offices.
