Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Army Barracks.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

213 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Defence the status of the lands at the former Army barracks, Ballincollig, County Cork. [22764/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

A comprehensive integrated action area plan was commissioned from independent consultants to provide for the future development of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig. 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 critical 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. I understand that the matter was on the agenda of a recent meeting of the council and no objection was raised to the adoption of the plan. A final decision on the matter is expected in the near future.

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

As the Deputy is aware, Clancy Barracks was advertised by the selling agents, Hamilton Osborne King, for sale by public tender on 14 June 2001.

Prior to advertising the property for sale, meetings were held between my Department and Dublin Corporation and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The view of the corporation and the Department of the Environment and Local Government was that the optimal solution would be to sell the land on the open market rather than have it purchased by the local authority for housing purposes. The corporation submitted a tender which was too low to permit its acceptance.

My Department is, of course, prepared to talk to any party interested in purchasing the property, which remains on the market. It is my intention to generate the maximum return from the site for re-investment in essential Defence Forces needs.

Question No. 215 withdrawn.