Liz O'Donnell
Question:26 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the Defence Forces of the closure of Collins Barracks, Dublin, and the redeployment of the garrison elsewhere.
Written Answers. - Collins Barracks (Dublin) Closure.
The decision to discontinue the use of Collins Barracks, Dublin, as an occupied military post has necessitated the redeployment of a substantial number of personnel to McKee Barracks and Cathal Brugha Barracks.
The infrastructure facilities available at the latter locations were not adequate to absorb the number of personnel involved and it was necessary to embark on a programme of refurbishment of existing buildings which were not in a good state of repair and the construction of new buildings.
A sum of approximately £1.5 million has been expended on the provision of alternative billet and office accommodation; in addition, over recent years, a number of other projects, including a new central armoury, new dining complex, supply and transport workshops and a Barrack Foreman Works complex — the requirement for which was not solely dependent on the evacuation of Collins Barracks — have been provided at a cost of £5.5 million. Further works will be required to complete the redeployment programme.