Michael Bell
Question:54 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the current status of each of the six Army barracks earmarked for disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17479/00]
Written Answers. - Army Barracks.
Jack Wall
Question:59 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will initiate the development of an integrated area development plan for Magee Barracks, County Kildare, in tandem with the provision of facilities for asylum seekers at the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17474/00]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total number and location of Army installations closed in the past three years; the number of such proposals currently contemplated, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17758/00]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current state of negotiations between his Department and other Government Departments and or agencies regarding future use of installations and lands at the former Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17759/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54, 59, 111, and 112 together.
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.
I have decided to dispose of Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, to Cork County Council for economic development of the site in conjunction with the IDA. The agreed price is £767,000. The lands will be developed and marketed as a strategic industrial site to attract inward investment. This development will greatly assist in the continuing revitalisation of Fermoy and will enhance its potential for future industrial development.
With regard to Ballincollig, the independent consultants appointed to draw up an integrated action area plan for the former barracks undertook a rigorous process of public consultation as part of their commission. The integrated plan for the property has been completed and presented to my Department. The plan provides for a wide range of community, amenity, residential and commercial uses in the future development of this substantial property. My Department has submitted the integrated plan to Cork County Council for consideration in the context of a variation to the existing Cork county development plan. The property will be put on the market following its adoption into the Cork county development plan.
As regards Devoy Barracks, agreement has been reached between my Department and Naas Urban District Council on the transfer of part of the property to the council for local purposes. The balance of the property has been rezoned for housing in line with the development plan for Naas UDC, which was adopted on 29 May 1999. Following a tender competition a selling agent has been appointed to undertake the sale of the rezoned property. The sale will be by public tender and in this connection the property has been advertised in the national press and local weekly publications during the past three weeks. Tenders are due to be returned to the Department on 12 July 2000. Following the evaluation of these tenders the sale will proceed as soon as possible.
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. In the interim, a tender competition was arranged for the appointment of independent consultants to prepare an area action plan in respect of the former barrack lands. A number of the proposals received were shortlisted and those consultants placed on the shortlist made presentations before a selection committee on 16 February 2000. However, in view of the urgent requirement for accommodation for asylum seekers, the Government decided on 28 March 2000 that mobile home accommodation should be made available for asylum seekers at Magee Barracks and arrangements to accommodate approximately 200 people there are now nearing completion. I cannot state for certain that we will revert to the Integrated Area Plan. I would like to hope that that would be the case, however, I cannot be sure.
In relation to Castleblayney, I decided to sell the site to the North Eastern Health Board for £600,000. Pending completion of the legal and financial formalities, a caretaker's agreement has been completed between the North Eastern Health Board and my Department and the former barracks was handed over to the board on 9 February 2000 on foot of this agreement. It is envisaged that the child care project proposed by the health board for the site will provide for 45 permanent appointments and a sum in excess of £1 million will be invested on the provision of the necessary facilities. In addition, the annual revenue to the town is estimated to be in the region of £1.2 million.
Clancy Barracks, Dublin, will be evacuated later this year when alternative accommodation becomes available. I expect the sale of the property will proceed in 2001.
As indicated, the disposal of barracks is proceeding and it is expected that in excess of £50 million will be realised from the sale of the properties. The moneys raised will be used primarily for re-equipment and refurbishment within the Defence Forces.
I do not intend to close any further barracks.