Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Defence the date on which his Department is expected to move into the new departmental headquarters; the costs that are budgeted for to facilitate the equipping and the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9376/10]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Defence the expenditure on decentralisation projects by his Department and agencies, and organisations under its responsibility, in the period from the announcement of the plan for decentralisation announced on 3 December 2003 to date in 2010; the bills associated with decentralisation paid in 2009; the bills associated with decentralisation projects in the Defence area budgeted for in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9377/10]

Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.

The Deputy will be aware that 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. Approximately 200 of my Department's Dublin-based civil servants, together with about 55 military personnel will relocate to Newbridge. Approximately 88% of Civil Service staff who wish to decentralise to Newbridge were in situ at the end of December.

The new building at Newbridge is progressing well and is expected to be ready for occupation in the summer. In light of budgetary constraints at this time the Government has decided to defer proceeding with the new building for DFHQ at the Curragh. This location, along with a number of other deferred locations, will be considered as part of the overall review of the programme in 2011. The site selected for the building is state owned.

In relation to costs for the Newbridge project, site acquisition, building construction and fit-out costs are borne on the Vote of the Office of the Public Works (OPW). I understand that the total estimated cost of the Newbridge project is approximately €30 million. The expenditure by my Department for the project to the end of 2009 was €905,604. In relation to costs in 2010, it is estimated that ICT costs will be approximately €550,000. Additional costs in 2010, for items such as furniture removals, will be met from within my Department's administrative budget.