Minister for Finance opens new Revenue office in Newcastle West

The Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, today (20/04/2009) officially opened the new Revenue office for staff of the Collector General's at Bishop Street, Newcastle West, in Limerick.

The relocation of 51 staff to the new offices marks the final chapter in the decentralisation of the Collector General's Division within the mid-west and completes Revenue's commitment to the Government decentralisation programme for the present. The Collector General's office is now the largest decentralised office in the State.

In his speech, the Minister said:

"Looking at the Collector General's operation now, not only was the move to the Mid-West successful, but it sparked much new thinking and innovation. This innovation, combined with enthusiastic staff and intelligent use of technology, has delivered real and significant productivity and efficiency gains - in many ways a model of public service modernisation."

"I particularly appreciate what today means for the town and the people of Newcastle West."

"For the local community in Newcastle West, I am confident that you will benefit greatly both socially and economically from this influx of people and jobs. I sincerely wish all the staff and their families every success and happiness in their future official and personal lives here."

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Revenue Chairman, Josephine Feehily said:

"We are opening this office at a time of great challenge for Ireland and indeed for Revenue. Our mission of service to the community will be needed in a very particular way over the next couple of years as Ireland works to restore fiscal stability. With the support of our staff here in Newcastlewest and throughout Revenue, I am confident that we will meet the challenges ahead."

The building houses staff involved in the front-line of collection of taxes for the Exchequer as well as the P35 Processing Unit. In 2008, this Unit processed over 200,000 P35 (end of year, employer) returns, covering some 2.5 million employments.