Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decision on decentralisation announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, County Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. The Government decision on decentralisation also provides for the transfer of Defence Forces headquarters staff to the Curragh, County Kildare. A total of 300 Defence Forces personnel are involved in the relocation to the Curragh. A total of 385 personnel, of whom 78 are serving in the Department, have declared an interest in relocating to Newbridge.

The Office of Public Works is currently in discussions with Kildare County Council regarding the possible acquisition of a site in Newbridge for the Department's new headquarters. A site for the military headquarters has been selected and initial meetings with the Office of Public Works have taken place.

Part of the staff of the Civil Defence Board has moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea with effect from 10 September 2004. The Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision of official accommodation for Departments, is currently preparing tenders for the fit out of a leased building in Roscrea which will be the permanent accommodation for the Civil Defence board. It is expected that this will be available for occupation in the first part of 2005.