Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 2

Written Answers. - Army Barracks.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

46 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the status of the buildings and lands associated with the various military barracks which he proposes to close including Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare; the alternative use, if any, proposed or agreed in these cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9418/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has put in place for the future use of Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare; the nature, if any, of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9536/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 163 together.

The Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks which are considered surplus to military requirements. This decision is part of the relocation, refurbishment and re-equipment of the Defence Forces, as recommended in the context of the Price Waterhouse report regarding the rationalisation of military institutions generally.

It is expected that up to £50 million will be raised from the immediate sale of the barracks. Sixty per cent of the proceeds will be invested in the redevelopment of other military installations and new equipment. The balance will be used both to meet the cost of compensation claims and for investment in the local communities where closures take place. Two of the barrack properties, Castleblayney and Fermoy, have already been offered for sale and a decision in relation to the offers received will be made shortly.

In relation to Devoy Barracks, Naas, a broad measure of agreement has been reached between the Department and Naas Urban District Council. The fine details are being dealt with and it is hoped to have an agreement concluded in the near future. A process of rezoning is required before the property can be offered for sale on the open market. It is anticipated that this process will take a number of months. As regards Magee Barracks, Kildare, I expect to meet with representatives of the county council in the near future to discuss the property in question. The sale of both barracks will take place as soon as is practicable.

In the case of Ballincollig, the largest of the properties concerned, tenders have been received from independent planning consultants for the preparation of an integrated action area plan for the future development of the property. An integral part of that plan will be to undertake a comprehensive public consultation process with all relevant community interests in the Ballincollig area. It is intended to appoint consultants in the near future. Following consideration and adoption of the integrated action area plan the property will be offered for sale on the open market.

It will not be possible to evacuate Clancy Barracks in the short term, but it will be disposed of following the transfer of the storage facilities which are located there to the Curragh Camp.