Annual Report 2005 - The Office of Public Works

OPW Decentralisation
Progress continues to be made in relation to the various aspects associated with the
Decentralisation of OPW to Trim (OPW HQ), Claremorris and Kanturk.
The main emphasis during the year was on developing the Trim project, which will be the
new OPW Headquarters, following the selection of the Trim location as one of the “early
movers” announced by the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) in June.
An Implementation Plan for the decentralisation of OPW has been prepared, including a
detailed Risk Assessment identifying the major areas needing attention during the project.
Both the Implementation Plan and the Risk Analysis will be continually revised, in line with
the ongoing requirements of the DIG implementation phase.
Trim Building Project
An architectural design competition for the Trim building was held internally within the
OPW Architectural Services. The winning design, submitted by Mr. Patrick Boyle of
Architectural Services 4, was developed and formed a key part of the building design
framework that was submitted to the market. Tenders were submitted in December 2005
for the development of the new offices on a Client-led Design Build basis. The successful
tenderer will, following award, proceed to the planning and construction stages with a
view to completing the building before the end of 2008.
Human Resources
A Project Manager for the Decentralisation Project, Mr. Michael Fennelly, was appointed in
March 2005. His role is to manage all aspects of the OPW's Decentralisation project and,
in line with the Implementation Plan and the Risk Analysis, to coordinate the necessary
activities to ensure that it takes place in the timeframe set out by Government.
The primary focus for the Project Manager throughout the year was twofold:
• Developing detailed action plans for the different business areas so as to minimise the
risks arising to continuity of service;
• Managing the intake of staff arriving in OPW, principally from the Central Applications
Facility (CAF), the online system designed to register applicants for each of the locations
involved.
The decentralisation of OPW, which generates significant challenges, will continue to be
addressed as one of 'high priority'.
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