Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Military Barracks.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

97 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence the payment, if any, received for the sale of the military barracks, Castleblayney, County Monaghan; if he will pay the bills incurred by personnel who have already carried out work prior to its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27233/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The formalities regarding the sale of the former military barracks at Castleblayney have not yet been finalised. It is anticipated that the legal and financial considerations will be completed shortly.

With regard to payments which may be due to personnel in respect of works carried out at the barracks prior to its closure, I understand that a number of sub-contractors were employed by the main building contractor engaged by my Department in 1994 to undertake a construction project there. My Department has no contractual liability to those sub-contractors.

I am aware that an order for the winding up of the main contractor's company was granted in the Northern Ireland courts in 1996 and that the relevant authority in regard to matters arising therefrom is the official receiver whose address is Fermanagh House, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8NJ.