Written answers
Wednesday, 1 February 2006
Department of Transport
Decentralisation Programme
9:00 pm
Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 128: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress being made in relation to the decentralisation of staff in the transport sector; the number from each agency allocated to each town; the number from each agency which have expressed an interest in decentralising; the measures which will be pursued in the event that all proposed decentralising staff choose not to decentralise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3355/06]
Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The decentralisation of transport staff to Loughrea is among the priority moves in the Government's decentralisation programme. A total of 50 posts are due to transfer to Loughrea.
A suitable site has been identified in Loughrea and the Office of Public Works is currently in discussion with the county council in relation to the preparation necessary for lodging an application to obtain planning permission for the site. We are working to ensure that the posts are transferred to Loughrea by 2007 as required. In view of the timescale involved the possibility of temporary accommodation in Loughrea has also been actively pursued in consultation with OPW and a possible site has now been identified.
The overall numbers and location for decentralisation in the transport sector are outlined are in the following table. The decision to set up a road safety authority effectively means that the figures under the Department of Transport and the National Safety Council can be merged to provide for 50 transport posts in Loughrea. Many of the grades transferring to Loughrea are oversubscribed. Although there are risks associated with the establishment of the RSA, I remain confident of meeting the target of 50 transport posts in Loughrea by 2007.
| Agency/Section | No. of Posts to decentralise | CAF Applicants | |
| Civil Servants | Public Servants | ||
| Department of Transport Road Haulage Division (Loughrea) | 40 | 69 (external) | 3 (external) |
| National Safety Council (Loughrea) | 10 (13) | 24 (external) | 5 (external) |
| National Roads Authority (Ballinasloe) | 90 | 59 (external) | 6 (external) |
| Irish Aviation Authority (Shannon) | 100 | 10 (external) | 1 (external) |
| Railway Safety Commission (Ballinasloe) | 20 | 4 (external) | 2 (external) |
| Bus Éireann (Mitchelstown) | 200 | 10 (external) | 3 (external) |
The position in relation to Ballinasloe — National Roads Authority and Railway Safety Commission, Mitchelstown — Bus Éireann — and Shannon — Irish Aviation Authority — is less advanced. These have not been identified by the Decentralisation Implementation Group as early movers. Recent statements in relation to implementation plans have been received and these are currently being examined by my Department.
No comments