I propose to take Questions Nos. 3, 44 and 45 together.
On 15 July 1998, the Government approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks which are considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question are located at Fermoy, Ballincollig, Naas, Kildare, Castleblayney and include Clancy Barracks, Dublin. The sale of 19.218 acres at the former Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, to Cork County Council in conjunction with the IDA for €973,889 has been completed. The sale to the North-Eastern Health Board of the property at Castleblaney for €761,843 has been completed also.
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 €380,921, all for local community purposes. I also agreed to sell the remaining 14 acres or thereabouts, which are zoned for housing, to Naas UDC for €8,888,167. The legal formalities to give effect to these agreements are progressing and I expect them to be completed very shortly.
The integrated action area plan, commissioned from independent consultants to provide for the future development of the former Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, has been adopted by Cork County Council. Lisneys were appointed as selling agents and the property was advertised for sale by public tender. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 7 June 2002 and the tenders for the property are under consideration. A decision will be made in the near future.
In relation to the need for accommodation, the vacated Magee Barracks, Kildare, is now providing that for asylum seekers. I also agreed to provide about one acre to the local authority for a temporary halting site for 20 persons for a period of one year. Kildare County Council has requested that the term be extended and the matter is being examined in my Department at present. In relation to the remainder of this site, I am arranging early discussions with all the interested parties including the local authority. My Department has accepted an offer for the sale of Clancy Barracks, Dublin, but a contract of sale has not, as yet, been completed. I have no plans to close any further barracks.