Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, who has special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I thank Deputy Walsh for giving me the opportunity to outline the position regarding the office accommodation for the decentralisation of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Bord Iascaigh Mhara to Clonakilty in County Cork. I acknowledge the absolute commitment of Deputy Walsh to the decentralisation project to Clonakilty and his constant representations in that respect, particularly on behalf of those people who have indicated their willingness to decentralise. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, has apologised for not being present but had a prior engagement in County Westmeath which was arranged some weeks ago. My understanding is that he has communicated this information to Deputy Walsh.

As the Deputy is aware, a site has been acquired by the OPW at Clonakilty for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and Bord Iascaigh Mhara. It is proposed to provide accommodation for 124 staff of the Department and accommodation for 97 staff, including three local staff, for Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The OPW has agreed the brief of requirements with the Department. A number of issues were raised at a recent meeting between the OPW and Bord Iascaigh Mhara and these issues are being examined.

Deputy Walsh should be aware that Bord Iascaigh Mhara requires significant on-site storage facilities. The OPW is carrying out an implementation study to ascertain how these facilities can best be accommodated on the site. It expects to have this work completed within a week.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara raised the question of providing crèche facilities. The provision of such facilities at decentralised offices was dealt with by the implementation group in its report of June 2004. It recommended that crèche facilities are a matter for the relevant Department to pursue given its own requirements and facilities available in the locality. Bord Iascaigh Mhara is also seeking to have its existing sea food development centre increased in size and officials in the OPW are in consultation with Bord Iascaigh Mhara on this matter.

It is the intention of the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, to meet members of the board of Bord Iascaigh Mhara on 25 October to discuss the matter further and the OPW intends pressing to have all issues resolved by the end of October 2005. Subject to such resolution, the OPW would be in a position to invite tenders before the end of November 2005.

See this speech in context