Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 211: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the expected timeframe for the planning process to be completed and contracts signed for the site on foot of the decentralisation programme for the Department of Defence to Newbridge County Kildare; when building work is expected to commence and the targeted completion date; if the Office of Public Works will source rented accommodation or other suitable temporary accommodation for the staff in question; if ongoing delays continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22524/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Commissioners of Public Works have agreed terms to purchase a site comprising 1.76 hectares/4.5 acres at Station Road, Newbridge from Kildare County Council. The terms agreed were approved by Kildare County Council in January 07. The site is currently being used as a soccer pitch by a local sports club. The Commissioners will shortly complete the planning process which has been conducted under Part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.

The Contract for Sale will be executed by the Commissioners as soon as a number of related issues are resolved. The key issue is obtaining vacant possession of the site. In this regard, the Commissioners have been informed recently by Kildare County Council that it is likely to be early in the new year before the site will be vacated by the soccer club.

Another issue is the provision of a footbridge to provide safe pedestrian access to the railway station and Newbridge town. The Commissioners are awaiting confirmation as to when a planning application for the construction of the bridge will be lodged by a private developer with Kildare County Council.

As soon as the Commissioners are given a firm date for vacant possession of the site, and are satisfied that the construction of the footbridge will proceed, the Contract for Sale will be completed and the construction of the new headquarters building for the Department of Defence will commence. It is expected that the building will be ready for occupation approximately 18 months after the commencement date.

The Commissioners are satisfied that all of the issues related to the site purchase and adjoining developments in the Station Road area are very close to being resolved. In the circumstances, the Commissioners have not been requested to provide temporary accommodation in Newbridge pending completion of the permanent headquarters building.