Vol. 536 No. 2
110 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the likely further military use of Gormanston Aerodrome, County Meath; the consideration which has been given to other possible use of the facilities at Gormanston; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13655/01]
111 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the sale of Gormanston Airfield; his Department's estimate of the value of the site; the purposes for which the proceeds of the sale will be used; the plans there are regarding the relocation of personnel based at Gormanston if conditions will be attached to the sale; if it is intended that the site will continue to be used as a helicopter base or light aircraft facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13776/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
As I outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 105 and 108 on 10 April 2001, I have decided to dispose of some land at Gormanston camp, County Meath, to fund equipment purchases for the Defence Forces. The precise area to be put on the market will be determined shortly. However, the military camp of 57 acres will not be disposed of.
The Valuation Office has been requested to value the site in question. Any conditions attaching to the sale will be decided in consultation with the Chief State Solicitor's office.
Casement Aerodrome is the principal base of the Air Corps. With the withdrawal of aircraft from Gormanston and the relocation of Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel, the Air Corps has the basis for better management of its resources.
112 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the refurbishment of the Curragh swimming pool. [13797/01]
A contract was placed by my Department in June 2000 for the construction of a new 25 metre swimming pool at the Defence Forces training centre Curragh Camp, County Kildare, and the refurbishment of the existing gymnasium to which the new pool would be linked. The duration of the project was 52 calendar weeks. Work is progressing well and the complex is expected to be completed in late June 2001. The cost of this project is £6.1 million which underlines my commitment to providing the Defence Forces with modern state of the art facilities.
