Vol. 542 No. 5
187 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in transferring ownership of Devoy Barracks, Naas, County Kildare, to Kildare County Council and Naas Urban District Council; and the cost to date of security for Devoy Barracks since its closure. [25148/01]
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 also agreed to sell the remaining 14 acres or thereabouts, which are zoned for housing, to Naas UDC for £7 million. Following the usual contract negotiations, contracts of sale were forwarded to the purchasers solicitors in July last for completion. The return of the completed contract by Naas UDC is expected in the next two to three weeks. The legal formalities will be completed shortly thereafter.
Security costs to date amount to £316,636. Savings in relation to the costs of military security at the barracks are estimated at approximately £381,600 in addition to savings on maintenance, electricity, water and telephone charges.
