Govt outlines decentralisation plans

The Government has published a list of the first batch departments that will be decentralised from Dublin to the regions over the next four years.

The biggest initial transfer will see three 392 two civil servants relocate to the new Department of Agriculture in Portlaoise.

333 staff will move Office of Public Works in Trim, Co Meath, while 215 personnel will transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in Drogheda.

Drogheda town will also receive a further 47 staff in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

15 government departments in total are moving 3,500 staff to 20 locations.