Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is considering any other sites for the decentralisation of his Department (details supplied). [21909/09]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans which have been made for the decentralisation of his Department (details supplied). [21910/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, under the decentralisation programme my Department will relocate to Charlestown, Co. Mayo. A total of 100 staff in my Department have already relocated to interim temporary accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.

In relation to a permanent headquarters for the Department, OPW continue to liaise with the relevant authorities in relation to a site that has been identified in Charlestown, Co Mayo.

I should add that the Department of Finance were recently approached by a community development organisation in Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo in relation to a turn-key potential property for the headquarters of this Department in Kiltimagh and on foot of this approach, OPW will examine the property in question. I should emphasise that this is a prudent response to such an approach and implies no decision.