Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Finance the costs to date in 2005 associated with or accruing from the Government's decentralisation programme; the number and location of buildings or sites purchased; the cost of same; the number and location of buildings or sites disposed or and consequent benefit to the Exchequer; when the programme will be completed; if any incentives have been built into the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33156/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the decentralisation programme, property negotiations have been completed or significantly advanced in 23 locations.

In the case of Athlone, the Curragh, Navan, Furbo and Sligo, OPW owned sites have been identified and will be used to accommodate decentralised offices.

In the case of Longford and Newcastle West, sites have been acquired from the relevant local authorities. Privately owned sites have been purchased in Buncrana and Clonakilty. In the case of Tullamore the OPW has agreed to purchase an office block when it is completed in September 2006.

Contracts for sale have been received in respect of a further 11 locations, including Carlow, Donegal, Dungarvan, Killarney, Knock, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Thurles, Tipperary, Carrick-on-Shannon and Thomastown. Other locations where site acquisition is at an advanced stage include Cavan and Trim.

The total purchase cost for the 18 non-OPW owned sites is estimated at €35.7 million. Of this amount, approximately €13 million is in respect of sites acquired from local authorities and State agencies. The overall site acquisition cost of the entire programme is expected to be in the region of €75 million to €100 million, excluding VAT.

Since it is too early in the process for any significant relocation of staff from Dublin, there has been no property disposed of in Dublin to date as a direct consequence of decentralisation. However, the following properties have been disposed of under the transforming of State assets programme.

The following properties are currently on the market to be disposed before the end of 2005: 26-27 Eden Quay, Dublin 1; and the former Veterinary College, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Decentralisation will be implemented through the transfer of staff on a voluntary basis. There will be no redundancies and, as on previous occasions, the payment of removal or relocation expenses will not arise. However, consultations will be held with the public service union on an ongoing basis in order to address the concerns of all staff affected by the programme.