Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works regarding the proposed decentralisation of his Department to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34130/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's headquarters are scheduled to relocate to Charlestown, Co Mayo, under the Decentralisation Programme. I can confirm that negotiations are still ongoing between the OPW, the Department of Finance and other relevant authorities in relation to a particular site in Charlestown, which the OPW has identified as being suitable for my Department's headquarters.

The Deputy will also be aware that the Department of Finance was approached by a community development organisation in relation to a property in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, with turn-key potential as a headquarters building. I am advised that OPW is continuing to examine the property in question to ascertain its suitability. As stated by me in previous replies, I should emphasise that this is a sensible and prudent response to the approach that has been made and implies no decision.