Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 April 2010
12 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is committed to acquiring a permanent decentralisation site for his Department in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/10]
View answer43 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the effect on the decentralisation programme of his Department of the changes in portfolios announced on 23 March 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14257/10]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 43 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, my Department's headquarters are scheduled to decentralise to Charlestown, Co Mayo, under the Decentralisation Programme. To date, 100 staff have moved to interim accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.
In December 2009, in light of budgetary constraints and affordability issues, the Minister for Finance decided to defer proceeding with permanent accommodation in Charlestown at this time. This location, along with 4 other deferred projects, will be considered as part of an overall review of the Decentralisation Programme in 2011.
I can assure the Deputies that I am committed to the policy of decentralisation, which I believe to be an important and positive policy put forward by Government, and my officials will continue to liaise appropriately with the Department of Finance in seeking to advance the relocation of my Department to Charlestown, Co Mayo.
