Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputy Walsh for raising this matter. He would normally be in my position answering matters raised on the Adjournment. He selected a particular matter to raise and has been in touch with me a good deal about it.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to discuss this matter in the House. As the Deputy said, Clonakilty, County Cork, was identified as the new location for BIM in the December 2003 announcement of the decentralisation programme. Subsequently, the Government decided that the marine division of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources would also be decentralised to Clonakilty. A total of 215 jobs are now earmarked for Clonakilty, 121 from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and 94 from BIM.

The November 2004 report of the decentralisation implementation group identified Clonakilty as one of the first phase locations in the programme, with BIM being one of the seven State bodies included in this phase.

The OPW, as the State's property agent, has been charged with the task of sourcing suitable accommodation for the decentralising Departments or agencies. Following an extensive search for a property solution in Clonakilty, the OPW identified several potential property options. These were subjected by the OPW to detailed technical and feasibility studies, involving architectural, valuation and engineering input. The clients, BIM and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, were also consulted as to their preferred options.

The evaluation process terminated in a number of sites being shortlisted. Negotiations on terms and conditions were initiated with the owners of these sites. Negotiations recently concluded and have resulted in agreement to purchase a three acre site in the town. The contract for sale is currently with the Chief State Solicitor for approval and all going well the expectation is that the purchase will be completed very shortly.

Expressions of interest have been received from developers interested in providing the new office accommodation in Clonakilty. These are being shortlisted and tender documents are in the process of being finalised. The aim is to have a contractor on site, hopefully by the end of this year.

In order to maintain the distinctive identities of both decentralising bodies, a campus style development is envisaged comprising separate stand-alone office accommodation, shared canteen and conference facilities and separate laboratory-kitchen facilities for the BIM Seafood Development Centre.

Therefore, there is good news for the Deputy and I look forward to all this happening. It is important the Deputy puts down an Adjournment matter to the Ministers in charge of the Department to ensure their personnel are ready.

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