Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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245. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a report on his consolidation plans for his Department's offices in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37168/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Earlier this year, the Office of Public Works (OPW) approached my Department regarding the Department of Justice plans for the refurbishment of the Garda Station in Portlaoise. Officials in my Department were informed that An Garda Síochána (AGS) would require an alternative premises while the refurbishment works were being carried out.

Separately, OPW were aware of my Department’s long held wish to consolidate our footprint in the town and suggested a refurbishment of Government Offices in Old Abbeyleix Road (OAR) to allow staff from the Grattan Business Park complex (124 staff) to be accommodated both in this building and a second building in Portlaoise that contains Department staff (EIR Building). This consolidation will free up Pavilions A and B of the Grattan Business Park complex for use by AGS during the refurbishment.

Local management have consulted extensively with staff, unions, committees and the OPW regarding all aspects of the consolidation. The process of vacating the Grattan Business Park complex Pavilions began in early August. Refurbishment works at Government Offices on Old Abbeyleix Road are being carried out on a phased basis with an expected completion date of February next year.

The move will result in approximately 535 Portlaoise based staff consolidating from five buildings to two. This will both reduce the building footprint and costs for my Department and also enable staff to be able to engage and work together in a more cohesive setting. The business of my Department will remain unaffected during this period.

I welcome the consolidation and the collaboration with OPW to meet cross government needs.