asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider having a full complement of troops stationed at Finner Camp, County Donegal, throughout the year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Finner Camp Troop Complement.
I have considered this matter and I regret that it would not be practicable to have a full complement of troops stationed at Finner Camp throughout the year.
Adequate accommodation of a permanent nature for the troops of the Western Command already exists in Athlone, Galway and Mullingar and the expense of opening Finner Camp as a permanent station would not be justified in present circumstances.
Would the Minister agree that in fairness to the business people in the nearby towns of Bundoran and Ballyshannon this camp should be maintained at full strength throughout the year? This would be a definite step towards decentralisation.
I am aware it would be of great benefit to the people of both Ballyshannon and Bundoran. I am also aware that if Longford Barracks was reopened it would be of great benefit to the people of Longford. Finner Camp is a wooden camp in an exposed position and one would not like to send even one's greatest enemy there for the winter. If Deputies think I will send troops to that exposed camp for the winter season, they should think again because it will not be done.
I would not agree with the Minister that it is not a very excellent camp. It is well insulated and suitable for troops in winter.
It was occupied twice under great stress of circumstances, and nobody liked it.