Building bought for civil service decentralisation

PLANS to decentralise 200 civil servants from Dublin to Waterford moved a step forward yesterday with news that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has bought a building in the city for €8 million.

Minister of State Noel Ahern announced the purchase of the site at Bolton Street and Catherine Street in Waterford had been completed by the OPW.

The vendor of the property is Waterford City Council, which will retain part of the block — the existing fire station — until a new fire station is built, and a car parking area until mid-2008.

The move will allow for the transfer of 200 staff at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government from the capital.

Local TD and Social Affairs Minister Martin Cullen has welcomed the progress towards a government presence in Waterford city.

“This site purchase by the OPW is a significant step forward in the Government’s decentralisation plans for the south-east and also forms an integral part of the Waterford City Development plan, which envisages a Government district quarter in the city,” said the minister yesterday.

“I am confident that decentralisation will have a significant beneficial impact on the quality of life for the civil servants and their families who decide to relocate here to Waterford.

“The process, too, will undoubtedly be advantageous in terms of the economic and social development of Waterford city and its surrounding catchment area through the provision of these high-quality jobs.”

The government offices will be constructed by way of a design and build competition.

“These state offices should be seen as flagship buildings that make a statement and will be a source of pride to our local community here in Waterford,” said Mr Cullen.