James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am responding to this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, who is not available. I thank the Senator for raising it.

Local authority office accommodation is a matter, in the first instance, for local authorities. However, they are expected to provide such accommodation in the most cost-effective manner possible, having regard to their needs and resources, a point the Senator has made clearly. In that context, future plans for the council office in Roscommon are a matter for Roscommon County Council, essentially, based on its assessment of the position.

A formal application to borrow ¤26 million was submitted to the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in October 2007. As the Senator pointed out, approval for the loan was granted in April 2008. A revised application to borrow ¤22 million for the project was submitted in January 2010 and approved on 19 March that year, in accordance with section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001. Sanction was provided subject to the council being satisfied that it was receiving the best possible terms available, making sufficient provision in its annual budgets for the repayment of the loan charges over the repayment period and being satisfied that the financing of the project would not adversely affect the provision of council services during the repayment period. I am sure we would all be very strong on that point.

I am advised that the fragmentation of local authority offices in Roscommon at eight locations, just two of which are fully owned by the county council, causes operational inefficiencies, including the need for staff to spend time delivering files and post and attending meetings at various locations in the town. There are additional indirect hidden costs to the council as a result. I understand issues regarding health and safety, staff welfare, fire safety, disabled access and facilities for the public and elected members have necessitated the extension and refurbishment of the existing headquarters. I understand Roscommon County Council has negotiated a loan of up to ¤22 million from the Housing Finance Agency over 40 years at a variable interest rate. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has completed the necessary steps at his end to allow the council to proceed with the work, in accordance with the conditions I have outlined. It is a matter for the council to do so in accordance with the sanction provided.