OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
MINISTER OF STATE DR. MARTIN MANSERGH WELCOMES BUDGET 2009 ANNOUNCMENT AND CHANGES FOR OPW.
Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works welcomed the 2009 Budget statement by the Minister for Finance and the implications for the OPW.
Speaking about the provisions contained within the budget for OPW Minister Mansergh said; “I am glad to see that the Government remains determined to maintain the momentum already achieved in the implementation of the Decentralisation Programme. The Government has reviewed progress to date and has confirmed its continued commitment to it and is satisfied that significant progress in advancing the Programme has been achieved. A further 3,474 posts will be provided in many locations throughout the country with the remainder deferred until 2011.
Minister Mansergh continued; “I am also pleased to say that within our expenditure allocation, measures to relieve existing flood risk and to prevent the creation of future flood risk will be prioritised. Provisions in the budget will allow the three flood relief schemes, which are currently on site in Ennis, Clonmel and Mallow, to proceed to completion next year and will also allow the design of the next phases of those schemes to proceed as planned. Likewise there is good news for flood victims in Dublin, Waterford, Arklow, Bray, Carlow, Fermoy, Mornington, Tullow, Enniscorthy and Tullamore, where our provision will enable OPW to continue to work with the Local Authorities to deal with problems experienced by the people who are affected by such events”.
The Minister concluded; “I have no doubt that this budget will be the beginning of a process to regain our past achievements and will reassure those who wish to invest in Ireland, be employed in Ireland, and also do business with Ireland”.
Ends
For further information contact George Moir, OPW Press Office (01) 647 6128