Decentralised state offices under threat of closure

The threat of closure is hanging over a number of government offices moved from Dublin in the decentralisation initiative.

Workers at the Equality Tribunal in Portlaoise, the FÁS office in Birr, Co Offaly, and the Department of the Environment in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, look set to be redeployed to other public bodies in their areas.

Ministers moved to axe 40 decentralisation sites completely last November when the project was abandoned by the Government.

However, 32 projects already up and running, or partially completed, were left in tact, with a further 22 put under review.

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service in Tipperary, Bord Iascaigh Mhara in Clonakilty, and the development co-operation division of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Limerick and the Property Registration Authority in Roscommon, are expected to remain where they are due to accommodation issues attached to their sites.

The decentralisation plan was launched in 2003 by Fianna Fáil finance minister Charlie McCreevy.