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.