Ruairí Quinn
Question:11 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the sale of Clancy Barracks, Dublin; if a sale has been agreed; the purchaser and the price agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13830/02]
Other Questions. - Army Barracks.
Brendan Howlin
Question:24 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the position in regard to the proposed sale of the various Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13825/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 24 together.
This is a question that I have largely answered before but I am happy to deal with other aspects of it. I am prepared to read it all again. Usually when that happens—
If the Minister wishes—
If I wanted to waste time I could decide to do that but I am happy to take supplementaries.
I have raised on numerous occasions in the House and on Defence Estimate debates, Magee Barracks in Kildare. The Minister has stated again today that he will enter into negotiations with the local authority, Kildare County Council, and also representative groups from the Kildare area. During the Defence Estimate debate, the Minister undertook to immediately enter into these negotiations. However the general election intervened, otherwise we would not be here today. The importance of this matter cannot be over estimated in relation to Kildare town. The development plan for that area is progressing. I ask the Minister and his officials to enter into meaningful negotiations with the local authority and the representative groups on this matter. As the Minister is aware and has stated on a number of occasions, the value of the site to the town cannot be over emphasised.
Kildare County Council has written to my Department seeking an extension of time. This is disappointing because I wanted to be in a position to finalise arrangements for the disposal of these lands which are critical for the development of Kildare town. The lands are centrally located and will add to and enhance very considerably the potential for Kildare town and the immediate area. I undertake on foot of a request from Deputy Wall and his colleagues in that constituency to arrange meetings with the local authority, local representatives and local interests within the coming month.
When State property is for sale, such as Army barracks, is preference given to other Departments of State of semi-State bodies who may wish to avail of the property to develop something in their own interests? For example, some of the barracks are located in urban areas such as Dublin. If Dublin City Council wants the land for social housing or some other purpose is it offered first option or does it go to the highest bidder?
In all cases, as I explained in reply to an earlier question, it will be clear that the first option was given to another Department or to the local authority. In Fermoy, first option was given to the IDA and the county council, in Castleblayney it was given to the health board and in Naas it was given to the urban council. Even though around 15% of the areas have been ceded free gratis to the local community, regard must be had to the valuation placed on the property. Given that I have a responsibility to return to the State the investment which the taxpayer made over the years I have to have regard for the valuation placed on the building, premises or land and also the consideration that this money is necessary for the purchase of equipment for the Defence Forces. Otherwise that money would have to be drawn down from the taxpayer. The first offer is to the local community, local authority and Departments of State and the remaining part of the lands, etc. goes to the highest bidder in the interest of the Defence Forces and the taxpayer. The taxpayers' investment has been made over many decades.
I ask the Minister for an update on the sale and future use plans for Ballincollig Barracks.
A tender was received in the Department during the past ten days or so which is being examined. I should be in a position to move towards finalising a contract within the next five to six weeks.