A new Wexford-based Department of Environment headquarter is to open within the next month, following a massive construction project.

Pierse Construction undertook the work at the state-of-the-art facility located on Newtown Road.

The scheme forms part of the government's decentralistation scheme.

According to a spokesman for the Environment Department, the keys are likely to be handed over within the "next couple of months".

A huge logistical operation will then get underway to relocated 270 staff.

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However, Fine Gael has said €100m could be saved by suspending further decentralisation moves, ultimately having adverse ramifications for the ailing construction sector.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has said it must spend at least €72m out of the €100 million allocation as it has signed contracts on a number of projects, including Wexford.

The office warned an attempts to cease these contracts could result in legal action.

Work is also under way for new government offices in Killarney, Co Kerry; Trim, Co Meath; Clonakilty, Co Cork; Newbridge, Co Kildare, and Buncrana, Co Donegal.

Fine Gael Chief Whip Paul Kehoe said works that have not yet been agreed or lands have yet to be purchase should be halted until the economy recovers.

"Fine Gael are very much in favour of the decentralisation programme and would revive it when the money is there to do it," he said.

(PR/JM)