Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
379. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to consider reintroducing the economic development programme for rural towns (in place from 2003 to 2011) as part of the new our rural future strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72349/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 2003 to 2011 the economic development programme for rural towns in Ireland was supported through a number of interlinked policies and funding streams including a programme of decentralisation in line with commitments in the National Spatial Strategy (2002 - 2020) to balance regional growth in Ireland.
Background on the Decentralisation Programme
Decentralisation was announced in 2003 to support the relocation of jobs and organisational functions across the civil service from Dublin to towns and cities in Ireland. Over the duration of the programme, approximately 3,400 civil servants have relocated to 53 offices across 25 counties.
Cancellation of the Decentralisation Programme
The Government announced on 17th November 2011 that the Decentralisation Programme was to be cancelled in the light of substantial changes in the national budgetary and staffing situation. This decision also had regard to the need to focus on programmes and projects that would best support economic recovery and to identify significant expenditure savings and efficiencies. The Central Application Facility (CAF) closed on 31st October 2017. There are currently no plans to reintroduce this programme.
The Civil Service Mobility Scheme was introduced in 2018 to facilitate the structured movement of civil servants between departments and locations across Ireland. The Scheme supports skills development, career progression and increased workforce flexibility to strengthen and sustain Civil Service capacity nationwide.
