Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
84 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the position with regard to decentralisation plans for his Department; if further staff have agreed to relocate as part of this plan; the number of staff who have agrees to relocate; when the Civil Defence branch of his Department will be moved to Roscrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28837/04]
View answer98 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Defence the authorised number of personnel for the Civil Defence headquarters; the current strength of the headquarters; the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28756/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 98 together.
The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, County Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. The Government decision also provides for the transfer of 300 Defence Forces headquarters staff to the Curragh, County Kildare.
A total of 385 personnel, of whom 78 are currently serving in the Department, have declared an interest in relocating to Newbridge. The Office of Public Works is currently in discussions with Kildare County Council regarding the possible acquisition of a site in Newbridge for the Department's new headquarters. A site for the Defence Force's Headquarters at the Curragh has been selected.
The Civil Defence Board which was given responsibility for the management of Civil Defence at a national level under the Civil Defence Act 2002, is being relocated to Roscrea, County Tipperary. There are approximately 30 posts in the Civil Defence headquarters. Part of the staff of the Civil Defence Board has moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea with effect from 10 September 2004. The Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision of official accommodation for Departments, is currently preparing tenders for the fit out of a leased building in Roscrea which will be the permanent accommodation for the Civil Defence Board. It is expected that this will be available for occupation in the first part of 2005.
