In response to OPW's nationwide advertisement in December 2003, 20 proposals offering potential property solutions in Listowel were received. All submissions were subjected to an architectural assessment, following which a number of property solutions were short-listed for further investigation. The current position is that the evaluation of property proposals to fulfil the accommodation brief of the staff decentralising to Listowel is at an advanced stage. The short-listed proposals under consideration comprise both sites and building projects.
Formal negotiations have commenced with the respective owners of the properties. It is expected that the position in relation to the acquisition of a property solution to facilitate the decentralisation programme to Listowel will be finalised in the near future.