Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 736: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost of the decentralisation of the Defence headquarters to Newbridge, County Kildare; and the expected date of moving to this new facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14511/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decision on decentralisation provides for the transfer of the 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.

The Department's Dublin-based civil servants, together with about 55 of the military personnel will relocate to Newbridge. Almost 90% of Civil Service staff that wish to decentralise to Newbridge have been re-assigned to this Department. 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. 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 this 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 the Department's administrative budget.