125 Mr. Carty asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs’ headquarters to Ireland West Airport, Knock, County Mayo, following the lodgement of a planning objection against the project recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7596/07]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) selected a preferred tenderer for this Decentralisation project in August 2006. An application for planning permission was submitted by the preferred tenderer to Mayo County Council in October 2006. Notification of a decision to grant permission, subject to conditions, was issued by the Council in late November 2006. An appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in early January 2007 and is expected to be decided in May 2007.

On receipt of a satisfactory planning permission, the preferred tenderer will be instructed by the OPW to prepare working drawings, specifications and a Bill of Quantities with a view to a contract being placed and construction work commencing on site. All going well, construction is expected to be completed in mid-2008.

The Knock Decentralised Building:

Involves the provision of office building(s), comprising approximately 4,500 square metres, as a Headquarters for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, to accommodate approximately 183 staff.