James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Transport his Departments progress in relation to decentralisation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9743/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Work was completed in respect of the decentralisation of both Departmental and Road Safety Authority staff in July, 2007. The decentralisation of 50 staff to Loughrea was among the priority moves in the Government's programme. Decentralisation of an additional 62 Road Safety Authority posts (which were not part of the original Government decision) to Ballina was also achieved.

The transfer of 37 Maritime Safety Posts to Drogheda is progressing. The immediate priority is to finalise a suitable location and construction of a premises. This work is being undertaken by the Office of Public Works.

Decentralisation of the National Roads Authority and Railway Safety Commission to Ballinasloe, Bus Eireann to Mitchelstown, and the Irish Aviation Authority to Shannon was not identified as priority moves. However, Progress is now being made on this element of the programme.