Govt’s decentralisation plans fall way behind target

The Government's decentralisation plans are reportedly way behind target, with just a handful of civil servants expected to have moved to the country by the December 2006 deadline.

The Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition had planned to move 10,000 civil servants to more than 50 locations throughout the country under the decentralisation programme.

However, reports this morning said just 134 people would have relocated by the end of next year.

Junior Minister Tom Parlon has reportedly blamed "staffing issues", planning difficulties and the construction of new buildings for the massive delay.