The Chairman of the Decentralisation Implementation Group has told an Oireachtas Committee on Finance that decentralisation can work, but that there are huge problems that must be resolved.
Phil Flynn acknowledged that there could be a breakdown of service to consumers if the relocation programme were not managed efficiently.
He stressed that the programme was voluntary, adding that the concerns of those staff staying in Dublin must also be addressed.
Around 9,200 public servants want to move under the Government's decentralisation programme but they are not necessarily the right ones, according to the latest figures.
For example, while relocation to the Probation and Welfare Service in Navan is theoretically oversubscribed, not a single probation officer has applied to fill the 78 probation officer jobs on offer.
A significant proportion of those applying are already based outside Dublin, and are seeking a region to region transfer.
A number of people have also sought transfers to places where there are no jobs for them at their current grade.
Mr Flynn told the Oireachtas committee that there had never been any intention of big bang instant decentralisation, and accepted the process was risky if not managed correctly by government bodies.
His group will give its next report to the Government before the end of the year.
It is understood that the Office of Public Works has finalised arrangements for offices in seven locations, while accommodation in 15 other locations is close to completion.
