Vol. 517 No. 3
105 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence if there is spare capacity within Army barracks which could be put to social use; if there has been any recent study conducted into the way in which spare capacity could be utilised; if not, if he will consider such a study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9804/00]
All available accommodation within occupied military posts is currently fully utilised and any surplus accommodation which previously existed has been filled by personnel relocated from barracks which have been closed. The most recent survey of accommodation capacity was conducted in 1999.
As part of an ongoing review of the Department's properties and bearing in mind the continuing pressure on land resources in major cities and towns, I have decided that as a contribution to alleviating the shortage of land for social housing the following properties adjoining barracks should be disposed of on the open market or by agreement with the relevant local authority for full value: Susan's Field, adjoining Collins Barracks, Cork, six acres; Old Married Quarters, adjoining Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, 2.5 acres; Mellowes Field, adjoining Renmore Barracks, Galway, ten acres.
In addition, an area of 1.5 acres of the barracks in Waterford city which is used by the FCA is being sold.
I am aware that there is constant pressure on the relevant authorities with regard to suitable land for social housing and it is considered that the sale of these prime properties in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford will go some way towards relieving that pressure. A more rigorous assessment of our total land and property portfolio outside of the barracks is being undertaken with a view to alleviating the local authority housing shortage.
In relation to the urgent need for accommodation for refugees, the vacated Magee Barracks, Kildare, has been used to accommodate Kosovar refugees since May of last year and arrangements are also now under way for the accommodation of asylum seekers at that site. Mobile homes are also being installed in Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee, to provide accommodation for asylum seekers.
106 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if he is in a position to outline his future plans for the barracks following his consultations with different organisations in Kildare town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/00]
The Government on 15 July 1998 approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks which are considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question are located at Fermoy, Ballincollig, Naas, Kildare, Castleblayney and Clancy Barracks, Dublin. Five of the barracks have been vacated while the sixth, Clancy Barracks, will be evacuated this year.
On 14 September 1999 I met with councillors and an official of Kildare County Council in relation to Magee Barracks, Kildare. The council was anxious that the land would be available for housing and commercial development. They wishes to preserve the commercial integrity of the town centre and to ensure ease of pedestrian and vehicular access within the new and enhanced town development programme. I indicated that I proposed to have an area action plan prepared for the barracks.
