Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The Government's decentralisation programme envisages that the headquarters of the Department of Education and Science is to be relocated to Mullingar, County Westmeath. The total number of posts to be decentralised to Mullingar is 300. These numbers will provide a significant and welcome economic boost to the town of Mullingar.

The Office of Public Works has the task of sourcing suitable property solutions to meet the requirements of decentralising Departments and Government agencies throughout the country. The OPW has made good progress in this regard. To date it has completed or significantly advanced property acquisition negotiations in 37 of the 50 locations targeted under the decentralisation programme. Sites for the balance of the decentralisation locations are being actively pursued. The OPW has also been successful in identifying temporary solutions for advance parties in 26 locations.

In the case of Mullingar, a suitable site has now been identified and terms have been agreed. Contracts for sale are currently being processed by the Chief State Solicitor. I am not at liberty at this stage, unfortunately, to reveal the location of the site or any other details. When the contracts are completed by both parties all relevant matters will, of course, be disclosed.

Regarding the construction of the building in Mullingar, it has been decided that it will be part of a major PPP project which will include the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Carlow and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Portlaoise. Expressions of interest have already been received from experienced developers and contractors.

The project will be procured on a design, build, finance, maintain basis and a single contract will be placed covering the three buildings. Financial advice is being provided to the OPW by the National Development Finance Agency. Evaluations of expressions of interest are nearing completion and the OPW expects to be in a position to invite tenders in the near future. When selected it will be a matter for the preferred tenderer to secure satisfactory planning permission in respect of each of the locations. On receipt of satisfactory planning permission, the preferred tenderer will be instructed to prepare working drawings, specifications and bills of quantities with a view to a contract being placed and construction work commencing on the three sites. Construction in each case, including Mullingar, is expected to be completed in 2009.

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