Dáil debates

Wednesday, 7 March 2007

1:00 pm

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is right in saying it is not a bunker. There are no physical protection measures in place such as one might see in an underground bunker. The decision was made by the Government following a recommendation made in the environmental resources management consultancy report. To the best of my knowledge, the group concerned reported to the Government in 2003. In 2005 the Government approved the establishment of a national emergency co-ordination centre and asked the interdepartmental working group on emergency planning to consider the matter, including its location. The reason this location was chosen was that among the criteria was that the centre would have to be secure, easily accessible and have good communications facilities. We were very fortunate to secure a part of Agriculture House, Kildare Street, close to the centre of Government, just up the road from Leinster House. We are in the process of installing robust communications systems. There will also be facilities for an incident room, meeting rooms and other essential services.

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