Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 6

Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.

Bernard Allen

Question:

93 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the State properties, both lands and buildings, in the ownership of her Department; the present use of same in each case; and if it is available for disposal. [26905/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment currently occupies nine buildings. All of the buildings are under the management of the Office of Public Works. With the exception of the Kildare Street building all our buildings are leased. The Kildare Street building acts as the headquarters for the Department. It is presently shared with the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. There is no intention to sell the Kildare Street building.

Bernard Allen

Question:

94 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence the State properties, both lands and buildings, in the ownership of his Department; the present use of same in each case; and if it's available for disposal. [26906/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Attached is a listing of the properties which are in the ownership of my Department or which are vested in the Minister for Finance but under the administration of my Department. Where properties are under consideration for sale, or have recently been sold, this is annotated on the listing. Approximate acreages are shown in respect of the more substantial properties. The vast bulk of the properties are currently in use for military purposes. Where feasible, however, short-term leases or lettings, including grazing lettings, are arranged from time to time where such arrangements are compatible with military requirements.

The Government, on 15 July 1998, approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question are located at Fermoy, Castleblayney, Naas, Kildare, Ballincollig and Clancy Barracks, Dublin. The sales of Fermoy, Castleblayney and Naas have been completed, while sales agreed in respect of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig and Clancy Barracks are being progressed at present. Magee Barracks, Kildare, comprising approximately 65 acres, still remains to be sold. Approximately 15 acres at Magee Barracks are being used by the reception and integration agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to accommodate asylum seekers and a further site comprising one acre approximately is being used by Kildare County Council as a temporary halting site for 20 persons. Part of Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee and Knockalisheen Camp, County Clare are also being used for the accommodation of asylum seekers.

A number of other surplus properties are being disposed of at present. In addition, in the context of the White Paper on Defence and the effective management of resources, any additional properties considered surplus to requirements are being identified for disposal. This process is ongoing.