The Government decided on 8th July last that no further expenditure on the acquisition of accommodation for decentralisation should be sanctioned pending detailed consideration by the Government of two reports: one from the Decentralisation Implementation Group's report on the feasibility of phased moves by the State Agencies; and one from the Implementation Group of Secretaries General on the governmental and cross-Departmental issues arising from the need to provide facilities for Ministers, Ministers of State and officials while in Dublin on business.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that prior to the Government decision temporary office space had been acquired in Athy, under a 7-year lease. The lease commenced on 1 November 2007 and the office was officially opened on 1 February 2008.
Seventy three (73) staff have taken up duty in Athy. Further offers will be made through the Central Applications Facility (CAF) to make use of all the available accommodation.