John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, for attending in person on this matter. When decentralisation was first announced, Newbridge was one of the towns identified as suitable. It was expected that part of the Department of Defence would move there. I had argued for many years that Defence Forces headquarters should be located in the Curragh or close to it, as that was the most logical place for them.

Considerable progress has been made with regard to identifying sites. I understand Newbridge was about the third most popular area for relocation of civil servants. That is understandable as it has a good educational structure, good infrastructure and mainline rail. One of the largest shopping centres outside of Dublin is due to open in the town shortly. Newbridge has excellent facilities for people who want to work there.

A site was identified close to the railway station. It is owned by Kildare County Council and used by the local soccer club, Newbridge Town AFC. The soccer club has no particular difficulties about being relocated if somewhere suitable can be found. However, negotiations seem to be interminable. They have gone on and on. I raised the issue with the county council in September and also with the Office of Public Works. As is frequently the case in these situations, we seem to have a pass the parcel situation between both offices. I want to get to the bottom of the issue and want the Minister to inform me whether the site has been identified, what progress has been made on acquiring the site and what further progress has been made.

I understand there were also two reserve sites within the general area of the town. It seems to have taken so long to get the first site into play, that we should, perhaps, think of moving on the other sites. There is some degree of impatience among the townspeople. The chamber of commerce and other bodies have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress. I understand also that 300 jobs will be relocated to the Curragh and that a site has been identified at the entrance to the Curragh. Ultimately, 1,500 civil servants will relocate to County Kildare. People from the Department of Finance will move to Athy and Kildare town. Naas and other centres will benefit from decentralisation.

I support the policy of decentralisation. It will be good for the country and the people and will relieve much of the pressure on Dublin. I hope the Minister can give some good news on progress as Newbridge was identified for fast-tracking of the decentralisation programme. I suppose the thing that frequently strikes me about the State's negotiations on property is that the delays which seem to be so prevalent when property is being transferred in the public sector would not be tolerated for a moment in the private sector. Many deals would fall through if such delays were to happen in the private sector. Decisions need to be made as soon as possible so that we can move on. We need to do everything we can to ensure that the personnel in the Department of Defence who have expressed a willingness to move to Newbridge can be facilitated.