Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 4

Written Answers. - Army Barracks.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which final agreement has been reached in regard to the disposal of Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare following the closure of the barracks in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4216/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

100 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the total receipts accruing to his Department arising from the disposal of Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare which was closed in 1998; the total costs of security and maintenance or other associated costs in the interim; if any further costs or receipts are likely in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4217/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

The former Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare comprises an area of approximately 22 acres. I agreed to cede seven acres free of charge to Naas Urban District Council and to sell one acre to Kildare County Council for £300,000, all for local community purposes. I have recently agreed to sell the remaining 14 acres or there abouts, which are zoned for housing, to Naas UDC for £7 million. The legal formalities in relation to these agreements have commenced.

The total costs incurred to date, in respect of security, essential maintenance and other associated costs are as follows:

Security Costs	£255,580.34
Maintenance Costs	£7,668.21
Disposal Costs	£31,015.77

There will be ongoing security costs until the close of sale which is expected to be completed shortly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if, arising form his closure and disposal of military installations since 1998, he will indicate the degree to which objectives set out in a report by a company (details supplied) have been realised or are attainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4218/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The report mentioned was written in 1994 and has in effect been superseded by the White Paper on Defence. I have made it clear that the implementation of the White Paper should provide for the maintenance of existing barracks.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the areas in respect of which funds accruing to his Department from the sale of various decommissioned military installations have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4219/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

A special reinvestment programme was initiated by my Department in 1999, to complement expenditure on the normal range of building and engineering works, for the purpose of providing modern living, operational and training accommodation for the Defence Forces. The special programme is expected to result in the investment of around £50 million in additional funding in the period to the end of 2003.

The major projects in this special programme are as follows:–

New Swimming Pool/GymnasiumDining Complex NCO's Mess WestOrdnance Transport SchoolNew Ordnance WorkshopsStorage Facilities	Curragh Camp
New Storage Facilities (Armoury)New Gymnasium/Sports Hall	Collins Barracks Cork
CIS Engineering BuildingUpgrade of Blocks for Accommodation	Cathal Brugha Barracks