Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost in relation to the decentralisation of his Department's office to date; the status of the programme; the cost of leasing alternative accommodation due to planning decisions effecting the decentralisation; the position and plans for the original offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26505/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Costs incurred by my Department to end-July 2007 come to a total of €817,467

The Office of Public Works has also incurred costs relating to the lease of temporary accommodation for my Department in Tubbercurry. This arrangement commenced on 1 June 2006 at a cost of €86, 755 per annum.

It is not possible at this stage to quantify what additional costs will arise on foot of the planning decision referred to by the Deputy. This will be dependent on the additional time that staff will be located in our advance offices in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo We will not have a firm timescale on this until a replacement for the Knock Airport site has been acquired in Charlestown, Co. Mayo and our new headquarters is completed and ready for occupation at that location. Following on the Government decision of 25 July 2007 I understand that the Office of Public Works is actively pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site in Charlestown.

Notwithstanding the planning issue, the programme has been very successful to date. Of the original 150 posts identified for decentralisation, 83 (55%) have been relocated since August 2006, mainly in our advance offices in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo and a further 30 posts will be relocated there early next year. At that stage, some 75% of the Department's original target will have been achieved.