Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State may not be aware of something. I was informed this morning by county council officials and the property owners that they had not had proper engagement with the OPW on a number of the proposals. Two of the owners have committed to spending whatever money is required to ensure jobs are retained in Ballybay. They are honourable people and want it to be made clear to the public in the area and the Department that they, rather than the Department, would incur the costs necessary to bring the buildings up to modern standards. They should be offered the opportunity to do this. Before Christmas they asked for the Department's requirements in order that they might carry out the works. The works could have been started three or four months ago had the Department engaged with the property owners. It is important for the people of County Monaghan - my constituents - that the jobs be retained in the area. Ballybay is the centre point of Monaghan and the public offices there are easily accessible from all areas of the county. Thirty jobs in a small town like Ballybay are vital to the enhancement of rural Ireland. What is the point of public investment if it does not enhance the regional spread of development? The private sector will always veer towards larger population centres, but the public service should target areas where the private sector cannot provide investment. This is balanced regional development and where the Department should be focusing its attention. The idea that it would somehow not be advantageous to have a public office in Ballybay is false.

The Minister of State should return to the senior Minister and re-engage on the issue, as the way this issue has been handled is unacceptable. It needs to be dealt with properly and there needs to be honest engagement with the local community and all five property owners so as to ensure they are given an adequate opportunity to put their proposals to the Department. A value for money audit would be advantageous from the Department's perspective. The owners are prepared to incur the costs. That is their point. The argument that it would cost the Department money is untrue. It would simply rent the building from an owner.

See this speech in context