Eoin Hayes (Dublin Bay South, Social Democrats)
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304. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to explain the reason for the closure of the Rathmines citizens information centre and if a new centre can be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22690/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body under my Department’s aegis, that funds and supports eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies, which in turn operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres.

Each CIS is a limited company governed by a Board of Directors which make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their region.

Dublin South Citizen Information Service (CIS) is the independent company responsible for the provision of information, advice, and advocacy services across the south Dublin region, including the Rathmines area.

In 2022 and 2023, following receipt of a notice to quit from the landlord of the then Rathmines office, Dublin South CIS searched for an alternative location, that could accommodate staff from both the then Rathmines office and the Meath Street office.

In 2024, Dublin South CIS identified and secured a suitable premises in Usher Street, which could accommodate staff from the former Rathmines office, as well as allowing for the replacement of the Meath Street office, which had become unsuitable.

The premises in Usher Street is now fully operational and provides services to members of the public living in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8.

CIB has also informed me that staff working in Usher Street continue to resource and support a part-time outreach and walk-in service at the Carmelite Centre on Aungier Street, Dublin 2.

Citizens Information Centres are delivered in nine locations across the South Dublin region as follows:

1. - Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre, Ballyfermot Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

2. [<a href="https://centres.citizensinformation.ie/centre.php?cic=Carmelite">Carmelite</a>] - Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier Street, Dublin 2

3. - Luke Cullen House, Oakfield Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

4. - 8 Sundrive Road, Kimmage, Dublin, Dublin 12

5. - Marina House, Clarence Street, Dun Laoghaire

6. - Unit 2, 5th Level (Above Tesco), Dundrum Town Centre, Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16

7. - Unit 1, Mellowes Quay, Usher Street, Dublin 8

8. - Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Ballyowen, Lucan

9. - Hainault House, Belgard Square South, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Additionally, members of the public can receive independent advice and information by contacting the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 8pm.