Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Feb 1994

Vol. 439 No. 3

Written Answers. - Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

78 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment if he will reconsider his decision not to site the Environmental Protection Agency in Cork in view of the fact that Johnstown Castle, County Wexford, has been found to be unsuitable; and his views on whether Cork is the most suitable location for the agency because of the experience of Cork County Council in dealing with environment matters and because of the concentration of petro-chemical industries in the Cork Harbour area.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

The decision to locate the headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency in Wexford was taken in the context of the Government's overall decentralisation programme, and relocation of the Agency's headquarters outside Wexford does not arise. However, the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 provides for the establishment by the Agency of regional environmental units and requires it, as far as practicable, to arrange for the performance of its functions, or particular functions, through such units.