Dáil debates

Wednesday, 25 May 2005

Adjournment Debate.

Decentralisation Programme.

9:00 pm

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important matter and I express appreciation to the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, for coming into the House to address it.

The Government decided on a major decentralisation programme in the first week of December 2003. My concern is that since that time little enough in practical terms has happened in various locations around the country, particularly in Clonakilty where I live and Cork South-West, which I represent.

However, we have had a number of reports in the meantime. We had a report in March last year, a second report in July last year from the decentralisation implementation group and a further report in September last year which was an analysis of the application registered with the central applications facility. In addition, the decentralisation implementation group published a report on 24 November 2004 and I have been informed that the group will report again. We were to receive its report in spring this year but I understand it will be published shortly.

The Office of Public Works was given primary responsibility for delivering the property aspects of the decentralisation programme. Approximately 200 public and civil servants volunteered under the CAF system to decentralise to Clonakilty in west Cork. They have contacted me and other public representatives to know when they will be facilitated with office accommodation. They and their families made a decision that they will decentralise in some cases from Dublin and in other cases from other locations to west Cork. Members of their families are signing on for primary and secondary schools and applying to third level institutes. Therefore, these want to know when the accommodation will be available.

There is nobody twisting anybody's arm or pressurising or intimidating anybody. These are public and civil servants who have already volunteered to move to Clonakilty. When can we expect office accommodation will be available for civil and public servants who have volunteered to decentralise? When will work commence on the programme to provide those facilities in Clonakilty? I want to hear when that will happen.

I look forward to the Minister of State hopefully giving me good news on this matter.

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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I thank Deputy Walsh for raising this matter. He would normally be in my position answering matters raised on the Adjournment. He selected a particular matter to raise and has been in touch with me a good deal about it.

I am delighted to have this opportunity to discuss this matter in the House. As the Deputy said, Clonakilty, County Cork, was identified as the new location for BIM in the December 2003 announcement of the decentralisation programme. Subsequently, the Government decided that the marine division of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources would also be decentralised to Clonakilty. A total of 215 jobs are now earmarked for Clonakilty, 121 from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and 94 from BIM.

The November 2004 report of the decentralisation implementation group identified Clonakilty as one of the first phase locations in the programme, with BIM being one of the seven State bodies included in this phase.

The OPW, as the State's property agent, has been charged with the task of sourcing suitable accommodation for the decentralising Departments or agencies. Following an extensive search for a property solution in Clonakilty, the OPW identified several potential property options. These were subjected by the OPW to detailed technical and feasibility studies, involving architectural, valuation and engineering input. The clients, BIM and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, were also consulted as to their preferred options.

The evaluation process terminated in a number of sites being shortlisted. Negotiations on terms and conditions were initiated with the owners of these sites. Negotiations recently concluded and have resulted in agreement to purchase a three acre site in the town. The contract for sale is currently with the Chief State Solicitor for approval and all going well the expectation is that the purchase will be completed very shortly.

Expressions of interest have been received from developers interested in providing the new office accommodation in Clonakilty. These are being shortlisted and tender documents are in the process of being finalised. The aim is to have a contractor on site, hopefully by the end of this year.

In order to maintain the distinctive identities of both decentralising bodies, a campus style development is envisaged comprising separate stand-alone office accommodation, shared canteen and conference facilities and separate laboratory-kitchen facilities for the BIM Seafood Development Centre.

Therefore, there is good news for the Deputy and I look forward to all this happening. It is important the Deputy puts down an Adjournment matter to the Ministers in charge of the Department to ensure their personnel are ready.