Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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562. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in the context of the CEDRA report, the justification for closing the Government offices in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, and in the process, further undermining the social and economic fabric of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39877/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) leased buildings in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, on a temporary basis, for the former Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs (CEGA). Those offices were provided as an advance office for the decentralisation of that former Department to Charlestown, Co. Mayo. Following a reconfiguration of Government Departments, the Community Division of CEGA transferred to my Department in May 2011. Following a review of the Decentralisation Programme conducted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2012, the Government decided to consolidate my Department’s business operations in the West at its offices in Ballina, Co Mayo.

This process is well advanced with the majority of Tubbercurry staff relocated to Ballina already. The remaining 14 staff are due to relocate in early November. A number of staff in Tubbercurry have already been facilitated with reassignments to other Government offices in Co Sligo and surrounding areas, and this will continue as necessary and where possible.