264 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works will relocate to Claremorris, County Mayo under the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11652/07]

The decentralisation of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to Claremorris will take place in two phases.

The first phase deals with the setting up of an advance office in Claremorris and in this regard, OPW has secured leased accommodation and arrangements are now being made to have the building fitted out for official use. It is expected that the accommodation for the advance office will be ready for occupation in the second quarter of 2007. The advance office will have of the order of 30 administrative posts.

OPW has acquired the site for the main decentralised office in Claremorris. The indicative timeframe for the completion of the construction of this building is in early 2009.