Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 39: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to the decentralisation programme of his Department; the cost incurred to date; the number of accommodations that have been rented to accommodate the changes; the cost of such rents; if these rents are being reviewed due to the economic downturn; the position regarding the proposed new site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23863/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the decentralisation programme, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is scheduled to relocate to offices at Na Forbacha, Galway and Charlestown, Co. Mayo.

My Department's commitment under the decentralisation programme in relation to Na Forbacha, Co. Galway has been met in full with 10 staff now relocated to my Department's offices at that location.

In relation to the decentralisation of my Department's headquarters to Charlestown, Co. Mayo, significant progress has been made to date. From a total of 140 staff due to decentralise, 100 staff have now relocated to an interim location in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, where two properties are being leased by the Office of Public Works to accommodate the staff concerned. I understand from the Office of Public Works that the cost of leasing both properties in Tubbercurry is just under €175,000 per year, while fit-out costs to date for both buildings amounted to some €402,000.

I also understand that the total non-property costs relating to the relocation of staff to Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, amounted to some €1.39m to end-March 2009.

In relation to the Deputy's specific query regarding the review of rental costs in Tubbercurry, I must advise that property and accommodation matters, including rental costs and rent reviews, are a matter for the Office of Public Works.

In relation to the acquisition of a permanent site for my Department's headquarters at Charlestown, Co Mayo, I understand that OPW is currently liaising with the Department of Finance and relevant authorities in relation to a particular site in Charlestown, which it has identified as being suitable.

I should add that the Department of Finance was recently approached by a community development organisation in relation to a property in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, with turn-key potential as a headquarters building. On foot of this approach, OPW is currently examining the property in question to ascertain its suitability. I should emphasise that this is a sensible and prudent response to the approach that has been made and implies no decision.