Minister Noel Dempsey officially opens the new Office of Public Works Headquarters in Trim, County Meath.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD, today officially opened the new headquarters of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in Trim, County Meath.  The building covers over 8,000 square metres, and stands four storeys tall in its unique circular shape, with a full height atrium through the core and a civic plaza to the front creating the focal point in the planned new Trim Town Centre.  It will cater for over 300 staff and many visitors.

Speaking to a large crowd assembled in the Atrium for the opening ceremony Minister Dempsey said “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join you here this afternoon and welcome you to Trim to mark the occasion of the official opening of the magnificent new decentralised Headquarters of the Office of Public Works here in Townspark, Trim, Co. Meath.  This is a fine building and I am sure it will set a standard for the design and build for future public buildings.  I wish you all the very best for the future in your personal lives and in your new corporate home here in Trim.  The decentralisation of the OPW Headquarters to Trim is tangible evidence of the Government's commitment to the decentralisation programme and to balanced regional development, which, in my view, will bring substantial long-term dividends for the whole country including the public servants and their families”. 

Going on to speak about the decentralisation process in general Minister Dempsey said “The Government were aware that the implementation of a programme of this size would present challenges but strong Government is about doing the right thing even when it is not easy.  We weighed up the public policy considerations and we concluded that investing resources in decentralisation of public service organisations would achieve benefits not only for the staff involved but also for the wider communities around the country.  Over 3,100 posts have relocated to date, to almost 40 locations. Full completion of the projects under way and approved will result in approximately 4,400 moves overall.”

Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Dr. Martin Mansergh TD, said “OPW has always had a strong presence in Co. Meath, including Brú na Bóinne and latterly the battle of the Boyne site.   The OPW has been represented in Trim for many years with its East Region Engineering Office and workshops and the National Monuments depot well established here in the Town.  Decentralisation of the OPW has resulted in the relocation of 220 staff to Trim to date.  I am confident that I and staff here, will benefit from the very many amenities that Trim and its surrounding areas have to offer.  Likewise I am confident that Trim itself will benefit from the location here of the headquarters of the OPW which will contribute to the economic well-being of the area, and I welcome Trim Chamber of Commerce and the many businesses who have come here today to showcase what they have to offer.” 

Ends

Thursday 15th April 2010