Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress which has been made to secure office accommodation to facilitate the move of Government Departments as part of the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23112/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works have primary responsibility for sourcing property solutions for the Departments and agencies which have been earmarked for decentralisation. Following a detailed evaluation of options available and intensive negotiations, suitable sites or premises have been identified in a number of decentralising locations.

Prices have been agreed for 13 locations and the contractual arrangements for these are progressing. State owned sites have been identified in a number of other locations, including Athlone, Sligo, Furbo and the Curragh, and these are being made available for decentralisation purposes. In a small number of locations, the possibility of renting existing or new buildings under construction or with planning permission is being considered.

While prices have yet to be agreed, the process of acquiring sites in several other locations is at an advanced stage and the expectation is that several more acquisitions will be agreed in the coming months. Overall, the site acquisition programme is progressing satisfactorily and is well placed to facilitate the roll out of the construction phase of the programme.