Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2006
127 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made regarding plans to decentralise his Department to County Sligo; the suitability of the temporary accommodation that will be used later in 2006 in Tubbercurry; when the full decentralisation of his Department to Knock will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18122/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraA site has been acquired at Knock Airport and the OPW are currently evaluating tenders for the construction there of the new headquarters of the Department. The Department is working to the original schedule of completion by the end of 2007.
Of the 140 posts due to transfer to Knock Airport, some 65 will transfer to temporary accommodation in Tubbercurry from mid-2006. When the new headquarters is ready for occupation, the Tubbercurry posts and those posts still remaining in Dublin at that stage will transfer to Knock Airport.
I understand that the temporary accommodation, the completion of which is being overseen by the Office of Public Works, is suitable, and will meet all of the required legislative standards in terms of health and safety, building regulations and planning.
