Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív says new figures from the Department of Public Expenditure reveal a huge appetite among Dublin based civil servants who are seeking a transfer to regional locations.
The numbers were compiled following the launch of the Civil Service Mobility Scheme for Clerical and Executive Officers last November. This scheme is part of the Civil Service Renewal Plan, which aims to ‘expand career and mobility opportunities for staff across geographic, organisational and sectoral boundaries’.
Following a PQ from Deputy Ó Cuív, it emerged that since November, 711 civil servants based in Dublin have applied for mobility transfers outside the capital. In contrast only 29 staff members have applied for mobility to the capital from the regions.
Deputy Ó Cuív explained, “This surge, in such a short space of time, shows there is clearly a demand for a more regionalised civil service. The spiralling cost of living, combined with unsustainable rental prices and long commutes are making less and less attractive for people to continue living in Dublin. In many cases, the income levels these civil servants are on make it extremely difficult for people to afford to live in the city.
“These figures show a large appetite for a move to the regions. Not only is it more affordable, many feel they would have a better quality of life.
“Ministers need to take note of these figures and realise that the redeployment of government staff and state agencies to regional and rural towns must be seriously examined and facilitated. This model has worked in the past – improving economic conditions and creating long-term sustainable employment to rural towns and areas.
“The Civil Service Mobility Scheme clearly demonstrates a demand from civil servants wanting to work in regional locations. The scheme must be backed up and expanded to bring jobs to rural Ireland”.
