Relocation plan 'in tatters'
The Government’s much-heralded decentralisation programme is in tatters, it was claimed today.
Fine Gael finance spokesman Richard Bruton said the announcement that 3,500 civil servants are to be relocated by 2008 was proof that the entire project had been handled ineptly and would generate problems.
“Far from moving 10,000 people living within Dublin within three years they are going to move less than half of that,” he said.
“And over 60% of those proposing to move are actually going to positions where there will be reverse commuting to Dublin.”
Minister of State Tom Parlon dismissed Mr Bruton’s claims as “absolute rubbish”.
He said the Government was entirely committed to fulfilling the targets set by former finance minister Charlie McCreevy three years ago.
“We can’t just snap our fingers and create the extent of buildings we are seeking,” he said.
“We have to be realistic. These 3,500 people going are on the first carriage of the train and there will be more to follow.
“We can’t just have one big bang. Moving 3,500 people to 28 locations is still a major exercise.”
The first report published by the Decentralisation Implementation Programme details the relocation of 15 Government departments and the transfer of eight headquarters.
Of the 21 projects involved, all but four will get under way next year. Eight are expected to finish in 2006, nine in 2007 and four in 2008 – two years behind Mr McCreevy’s original target for all 10,000 relocations.
