Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Army Barracks.

Seán Barrett

Question:

117 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money re-invested in the Defence Forces from the sale of Army barracks to date; the income generated in total from the sale of barracks; if the £25 million recently announced for investment in the Army has been generated by voluntary early retirement or sale of assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8846/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Financial agreements have been reached in relation to the disposal of Castleblayney and Fermoy barracks and the legal formalities require to be completed. The receipt of income will follow completion of the sales agreements.

Plans for the disposal of the remaining barracks at Ballincollig, Naas, Kildare and Clancy Barracks, Dublin, are at an advanced stage and it is hoped to have these sales completed during 2000. It is expected that up to £50 million will be realised from the sale of the six barracks.

Following the submission of the White Paper on Defence to Government on 29 February 2000, the Government conveyed approval for the allocation of 100% of pay savings arising from the reduction in the approved strength level of the Permanent Defence Force, together with 100% of the revenue arising from the sale of property surplus to military requirements, for investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.

The savings arising from the restructuring of the Defence Forces are estimated at £20 million per year – a total of £200 million over the ten year period covered by the White Paper. Together with the revenue of £50 million expected from the sale of the six barracks, this will result in an ambitious and unprecedented level of investment in the Defence Forces and will ensure that the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service will be fully equipped with the most modern of equipment to carry out their roles at home and overseas.

The £25 million investment package which was announced recently following discussions with the chief of staff, for the purchase of light infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment, forms an integral part of the overall investment programme.