Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Finance the full extent of the overall costs of decentralisation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45550/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As I announced in the Budget, the Government has reviewed the Decentralisation Programme in light of the changed economic circumstances and identified priority elements on which implementation should proceed at this time. The Government's decision will result in the relocation of approximately 6,000 posts to over 40 locations outside of Dublin in the current phase of the programme. This is made up of 2,600 posts already moved, together with an additional 3,400 posts which are in train. Decisions on the timing of further work on implementation of the balance of the programme are being deferred pending a review in 2011 in light of budgetary developments.

The total amount of expenditure by the OPW under the Government's Decentralisation Programme to date in relation to the property aspects of the programme is approximately €270m. This includes the cost of site/property acquisitions, fit-out works and rent paid to date. Details submitted to my Department indicate that a further €2.73m has been expended by FÁS in respect of the acquisition of property in Birr, €2.5m was expended by the Health and Safety Authority in respect of the acquisition of property Kilkenny/Thomastown and approximately €305,000 has been expended by Pobal in respect of its premises at Clifden.

The costs to date have been offset by property disposals in Dublin. Total income from property disposed of in Dublin between January 2004 and December 2007 was €355.9m. In addition, property valued at €75 million was transferred to the Affordable Homes Partnership. The OPW has also agreed joint venture redevelopment schemes with a minimum value of circa €125m up to the end of 2007.

At end June 2008, the total non-property costs incurred amounted to approximately €12m.