The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, has announced plans for the move of an additional 90 civil servants from his Department to Clonakilty, Co Cork, as part of the Government's plan for decentralisation.
The Minister made the announcement during an address to business and community groups in west Cork. He said the Government had given the go-ahead to the establishment of a Marine Policy and Management office in Clonakilty.
The decentralisation of 425 departmental staff to Cavan, outlined in the Budget speech, would continue as planned but once established, the Clonakilty office would have a total staff complement of approximately 170 people.
Mr Ahern said the new office will deal with all policy and management issues relating to the Sea, Fisheries and Aquaculture industries, the management and development of the States Fishery Harbours, Coast Protection, the Departments Marine Engineering services and its existing functions in relation to Coastal Zone Management.