Bernard Allen
Question:71 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the cost of private security for the Army barracks in Ballincollig, County Cork, in each of the years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000. [5005/01]
Written Answers. - Army Barracks.
Bernard Allen
Question:72 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has for the Army barracks in Ballincollig, County Cork. [5006/01]
Bernard Allen
Question:73 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the date on which the Army barracks in Ballincollig, County Cork, was vacated by the Army. [5007/01]
Bernard Allen
Question:74 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a request from Cork County Council for a meeting to discuss the future of the Army barracks in Ballincollig, County Cork; and when that meeting will be held. [5008/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 74, inclusive, together.
The former Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, was vacated on 30 September 1998. The costs paid by my Department in respect of the employment of a private security firm at the former barracks in the years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, are as follows:
|
1997 |
Nil |
|
1998 |
£31,366.23 |
|
1999 |
£162,466.57 |
|
2000 |
£171,781.77 |
Significant savings have arisen since the evacuation of the five barracks placed under private security arrangements. On military security duty alone, it is estimated that savings to date amount to almost £812,000. In addition, there have been significant savings on utilities costs such as telephone, gas and electricity charges at each of the evacuated barracks which, for example, would have amounted to approximately £136,000 in the case of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig.
A comprehensive integrated action area plan was commissioned from independent consultants to provide for the future development of the barracks. That plan provides for a wide range of community, amenity, residential and commercial uses for the property. The development of the Murphy Barracks lands will be crucial in the future overall development of the town of Ballincollig.
My Department submitted the integrated plan to Cork County Council in April of last year for consideration in the context of a variation to the existing Cork County development plan. Discussions have been ongoing between Cork County Council and my Department to determine the best way forward to realise the potential of the integrated plan, while taking account of the aspirations of all sides. The most recent meeting took place on 19 February 2001, following a request from the county council, and involved officials of my Department and the local authority. It is hoped to bring the matter to conclusion at an early date.
I recently received a request for a meeting from the county council and I will consider the matter favourably in light of the outcome of the discussions at official level.