Written answers

Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Department of Defence

Decentralisation Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Lucinda CreightonLucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 460: To ask the Minister for Defence the annual costs incurred by his Department in the implementation of the decentralisation scheme for each of the past four years, broken down between property and non-property costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35551/08]

Photo of Lucinda CreightonLucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 461: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made by his Department on implementing the decentralisation scheme, including the number of staff who have moved under the scheme and the property bought or rented outside Dublin under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35566/08]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 461 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin-based civil service staff, together with a number of military personnel, to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and for the decentralisation of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) to the Curragh. The number of posts to be relocated to Newbridge is approximately 200 civil servants and 43 military personnel. A further 410 military personnel will decentralise to the Curragh.

Site acquisition, building construction and fit-out costs are borne on the Vote of the Office of Public Works. No non-property costs have been incurred by my Department to date. No property has been bought or rented by my Department outside Dublin under the scheme.

Close to 90% of clerical/administrative staff are now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge. No members of staff have moved to date pending availability of the new accommodation at Station Road, Newbridge. Construction of the building commenced in June 2008 and OPW have advised that it is expected to be completed by December 2009.

The decentralisation of DFHQ to the Curragh is among those approved for continuation in Budget 2009. A State owned site for the new building has been identified in the Curragh. The timescale for completion of the project will be determined by the outcome of the proposed tender competition that is currently being prepared by OPW. It is expected that tenders will be invited before the end of the year.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.