Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the situation regarding the proposed decentralisation of part of his Department to County Cork. [17222/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As part of the overall decentralisation programme, it is intended that 100 staff of the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and 100 staff of the Valuation Office will be decentralised to Youghal, Co. Cork. It is also intended that 100 staff of the Office of Public Works will decentralise to Kanturk, Co Cork. I am informed by PAS and the Valuation Office that the number of people who have indicated their desire to decentralise to Youghal with these offices is 100 and 28 respectively. In accordance with the indicative timescale set out in the report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group both offices are working towards decentralising to Youghal in mid 2009. I am advised by the OPW that they have agreed terms to acquire a local authority site in Youghal from Cork County Council. The legal formalities are being pursued by the Chief State Solicitors Office in consultation with Cork County Council's legal representatives.

I am also advised by the OPW that the number of people who have indicated their desire to decentralise to Kanturk is 90. In accordance with the indicative timescale set out in the report from the Decentralisation Implementation Group the OPW is working towards decentralising to Kanturk by the end of 2008. The acquisition of a suitable site in Kanturk is well advanced.