Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Decentralisation Programme.

Paddy McHugh

Ceist:

231 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Finance further to recent statements by the Minister for Transport outlining the fact that it is imperative that a critical mass be built up in towns along the western corridor route to ensure its re-opening if the towns designated as hubs along the corridor route will benefit from the decentralisation programme by having Departments decentralised to those hubs in order to contribute to the creation of the critical mass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26241/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy):

The Government remains committed to moving forward the progressive decentralisation of Government offices and agencies. As I have said previously, a wide range of important issues, including the national spatial strategy, have to be considered before a final decision is taken on a new programme of decentralisation.

Given the wide range of considerations involved, it is not possible for me to state when the Government will be in a position to take a decision on this matter. It would be inappropriate for me to pre-empt that decision by prematurely nominating any particular location at this time. I am aware of the case made for the towns designated as hubs along the western corridor route and it will be given full consideration, together with the submissions received on behalf of many other towns around the country, as part of the deliberations leading to a decision on the matter.