Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2007
142 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to a new premises for Irish Aid to take account of the decision to decentralise the body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10397/07]
View answerUnder the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is the Headquarters of Irish Aid and currently based in Dublin, will decentralise to Limerick. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the provision of office accommodation for the Directorate in Limerick. The OPW has identified a suitable location on Henry Street in Limerick city centre, and has advised my Department that lease terms have been agreed with the developer. The developer has indicated that he is now aiming for the building to be fully fitted out and ready for use late this year.
In addition, the Office of Public Works has agreed lease terms on temporary accommodation to facilitate the move of an Irish Aid advance party of some 50 officials to Limerick by the end of May.
