Will decentralisation offices stand empty?

THE Government’s website states that Finance Minister Brian Cowen has welcomed the Decentralisation Implementation Group’s report to the effect that “decentralisation will be a reality in 29 towns by the end of 2007” and that “progress is well advanced in relation to the civil service aspects of the programme”.

Mr Cowen said “the success of the programme can be seen from the fact that decentralisation is now a reality in 12 new locations and that over 2,000 civil servants will have relocated to 29 locations by the end of 2007”.

Furthermore, “This steady level of progress is an indication of the level of interest in relocating among civil servants and represents an endorsement of the ability of public service managers to effectively manage the staffing, business and property issues arising.”

The minister also said his colleague Tom Parlon, in the Office of Public Works, has completed or significantly advanced property acquisitions in over 34 locations.

While the information reflects the Goebells-esque style in which Fianna Fáil’s dispatches are written, the last statement is frightening because the contracts entered into may be irrevocable in the unlikely event of a change of government.

We know who will foot the bill for the failed decentralisation plans but who will occupy these 34 palatial monuments/office blocks now under contract and construction nationwide, if nothing induces the civil service to reconsider?

As Government coffers are brimful of citizens’ cash, would anybody begrudge the OPW converting the new buildings to palaces to house our glorious leader while he visits his subjects around the country? A more practical alternative would be to convert them into affordable housing.

John McDermott

Puerto Rico

Gran Canaria

Spain