Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy will be aware that the decision to move from Parkgate House was made a number of years ago and was long under way before my appointment to the office. It is not a matter which is decided at Cabinet. Quite clearly, the OPW has a considerable portfolio of buildings and has decided to centralise the Courts Service and all the ancillary services in that area. I understand the plan is to create a campus and there is some logic to support that view.

There is also logic to support the view that personnel in Newbridge ought to be in close proximity to military personnel in the Curragh. My strong view is that the cost of the building, if it is proceeded with in 2011, will be considerably less than the €30 million that was estimated in 2006 or 2007, when this entire project commenced. That will be examined when a decision is being made on whether to pursue a new-build in the Curragh, which was the original plan. My personal leaning is to proceed with the refurbishment of the historic existing suite of buildings, which are considerably under-utilised. That might be an attractive option for the communication centre and the decentralisation of the remainder of the staff.

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