Vol. 500 No. 1
113 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the current position on the provision of a new dining hall and non-commissioned officers mess at Collins Barracks, County Cork; if he has made provisions in the capital allocation for 1999 for the provision of these facilities; and the proposed starting and completion dates for these facilities. [3291/99]
A contract for the provision of a new dining complex at Collins Barracks, Cork, was placed on 22 January 1999 with Pierse Contracting Limited. The building is estimated to cost £1.7 million and is expected to be completed at the end of this year.
Consultants have recently been appointed to undertake the planning and design of a new NCOs mess at the barracks. The estimated cost of this project is £1 million. When the necessary technical documentation has been prepared tenders will be invited for the contract. Work is expected to commence towards the end of this year and to be completed in about 12 months. Financial provision for these projects has been made in my Department's Estimate.
114 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will give an assurance in relation to the future strategic importance of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, in view of the recent leaked memo in relation to a further proposed review of the Defence Forces; the future developments for this barracks, including details of planned recruitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3544/99]
There are no plans to alter the status of Columb Barracks, Mullingar. It is proposed to continue with the existing system of regular recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force and the recruitment campaign for this year will be announced shortly. Following completion of recruit training, personnel will be assigned, as required, to military units, including Columb Barracks, to maintain appropriate unit strengths and operational effectiveness.
115 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, there are to dispose of the State's properties at Arbour Hill; if so, if they will be retained for important social use, such as accommodating homeless people or caring for other groups in need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3545/99]
Apart from a former married quarters which is in the process of sale, there are no plans to sell further properties at Arbour Hill, Dublin. I will, however, keep the position under review.
