Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:207 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in having the new social welfare offices progressed in Buncrana; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13753/03]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Offices.
The Commissioners of Public Works recently placed an advertisement in both the local and national newspapers seeking premises/sites with a view to providing up to 9,000 sq. ft. of office space for a Government Department in Buncrana, County Donegal. The applications have now been assessed and the commissioners will shortly be opening negotiations with regard to the most suitable site.
In the meantime, as a means of addressing the health and safety issues arising from overcrowding in the Castle Avenue premises, the commissioners have taken a lease of the first floor of the Inishowen Partnership Company premises on a short-term basis. The Castle Avenue premises was upgraded in 2002 and the commissioners have also recently taken an additional room in the St. Mary's Road premises.