Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in decentralisation in County Clare; the number of people seeking transfer; the progress on provision of the buildings; the completion date for the new buildings; the date on which the transfer will be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Government decision to decentralise Enterprise Ireland's headquarters to Shannon. Progressing the decentralisation decision is a matter for Enterprise Ireland. I am informed that, in respect of numbers, the most recent figures released show that 19 existing employees in Enterprise Ireland have indicated their willingness to transfer to Shannon. The number of applications received from within the civil and public service, including my Department, amount to 33, thus giving a total overall of 52 persons.

The most immediate implementation step for Enterprise Ireland is to provide for a new headquarters building designed to meet the business needs of the organisation. Enterprise Ireland, working closely with the Office of Public Works, has identified but not yet acquired a site for the Shannon relocation. The preferred site consists of 13 acres owned by Shannon Development. In co-operation with Shannon Development and OPW, the site was valued and a feasibility study was carried out. The site occupies a prime position near the centre of Shannon and is considered suitable for a major landmark building or civic structure related to the town centre.

It is too early to comment definitively on a timescale for the transfer of Enterprise Ireland's headquarters to Shannon. The factors of significance in this regard will be the acquisition of property and the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants. My Department is corresponding with the Department of Finance regarding the acquisition of the preferred site.