Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 33: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding the implementation by his Department of the decision on decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35898/08]

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

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 service posts together with 43 military personnel posts. A further 335 military personnel posts together with 78 support staff posts will decentralise to the new Defence Forces Headquarters building in the Curragh Camp.

While close to 90% of clerical/administrative staff are now in place in preparation for the move to Newbridge, no staff have been moved to date. The building is under construction and is expected to be ready for occupation by December 2009.

In relation to costs for the Newbridge project, site acquisition, building construction and fit-out costs are borne on the Vote of the Public Works (OPW). I understand that the total estimated cost of the project is approximately €30 million.

In relation to the decentralisation of DFHQ to the Curragh, a state owned site in the Curragh has been chosen for a new building. The total cost and timescale for completion of the project will be determined by the outcome of the proposed tender competition which is being prepared by OPW.

The recent Government decision on the decentralisation programme means that this project can now proceed to the next stage. Expenditure on the project will be borne on the Vote for the OPW.