Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.

John Dennehy

Question:

155 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Defence the status of lands at Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, County Cork; and if in the context of the proposed integrated area plan, the Ballincollig social and community sector is being catered for as promised in the redevelopment of Murphy Barracks. [30588/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

In relation to Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, a comprehensive integrated action area plan was commissioned from independent consultants to provide for the future development of this property. My Department submitted the plan to Cork County Council in April 2000 for consideration in the context of a variation to the existing Cork county development plan. This plan has now been adopted by the council. My Department has advertised for the appointment of selling agents for the property.

In relation to the contribution for social and community uses, I propose to transfer a sizeable block of land at the barracks, comprising more than 20 acres, to Cork County Council for community purposes, on the basis that three acres of those lands be allocated to Ballincollig GAA Club and a further appropriate area to Ballincollig Soccer Club. It is considered that the mechanism for the transfer of the lands to the two clubs can best be developed at local level by the council.

The council will also be in a position to provide an extended area of public parkland from the block of land referred to above and will, in addition, be given land comprising six and three quarter acres occupied by the sewage works. This brings the total lands being handed over to the local authority to almost 20% of the overall area of the barracks property and, in those circumstances, it should be possible for the needs of all local sporting and community interests to be met from that body of land. As the Deputy will be aware, further blocks of the Murphy Barracks property will be provided to meet additional local needs, including sites for healthcare facilities and a Gaelscoil. This will further increase the considerable benefits accruing to the community of Ballincollig as a whole from the disposal of the property and meets commitments given in this regard.