Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in site acquisition for the proposed relocation of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food staff to County Cork (details supplied). [22914/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The evaluation of the shortlisted property solutions for Macroom is at an advanced stage and it is hoped that a decision as to the preferred option will be made shortly.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the timeframe for the planning process to be completed and the contracts to be signed for the site by the Office of Public Works in regard the decentralisation of the Department of Defence to Newbridge, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22915/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works expects development work to commence in relation to the decentralisation of the Department of Defence to Newbridge, County Kildare; the timescale of the completion of the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22916/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has plans or proposals to rent accommodation in relation to an advance section of the Department of Defence's decentralisation programme moving to Newbridge County Kildare; if there are delays in relation to the proposed offices there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22925/07]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works completed its negotiations with Kildare County Council in relation to the purchase of lands at Newbridge, County Kildare in regard to the decentralisation of the Department of Defence to Newbridge; the reason for such a delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22927/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 to 170, inclusive, together.

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 Co Council. The terms agreed were approved by Kildare Co 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 & 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.