I thank the Minister for Defence for placing himself at the disposal of the House to debate the serious situation facing the barracks in Mullingar. I am calling on him to maintain Columb Barracks at present staffing levels and I am seeking an assurance that these levels will be maintained.
We are all aware of the importance of a good employer in any town or village, particularly in the midlands. The midlands are not the place people seek to visit on holiday, despite the presence of many fine lakes in County Westmeath. Mullingar, the capital of the midlands, has a population in excess of 13,500 people and its Army barracks, which employs between 200 and 220 people, is a major employer in the town. This is about the Government cheque coming in every week and the security of having a State employer situated in the town of Mullingar.
Over the last number of years we have witnessed the effects of decentralisation in various towns around Mullingar but the town was not as fortunate and no Department was established there. All the other towns in the midlands and practically all around Ireland were fortunate enough to receive decentralised Government offices so the Minister can see how important this employer of over 200 people is to Mullingar. To put it in its proper context, it is as important to Mullingar per head of population as the loss of Ford to Cork or Digital to Galway. It is an extremely important employer in Mullingar.
We have been concerned that in north-west Meath and Mullingar barracks have been run down over the last while. I ask the Minister to clarify the situation and give an assurance that our worst fears will not be realised. I ask him to respond to RACO, the Army officers organisation. Last week it named nine military barracks which they say may close following their analysis — and I accept it is their analysis — of a report which is to come before the Government. Once more there have been denials that Mullingar is going to close. The forecast has been dubbed as speculative but Mullingar needs an assurance because we all know from experience that there is never smoke without fire.
The closure of Columb Barracks would seriously damage the economic future of Mullingar. Despite all the best endeavours of our chamber of commerce, our town's trades committee and all the other people who have been trying to keep employment in Mullingar over the years, they are extremely concerned about the rumour and innuendo which are circulating, particularly from RACO.
Last Tuesday week, the supply and transport people were told by a high ranking officer that it was possible they would be transferring to Athlone. Over the last number of years we have seen various services being transferred to the Curragh. As the Minister knows, I frequently come before the House on the Adjournment to raise matters of a serious nature in the area I represent and I am glad to see Senator Belton, a near neighbour, here to listen to the concerns of the people of north-west Meath and Mullingar.
The other point on which we seek clarification is why there is no recruitment being undertaken in Mullingar. We are told of the numbers to be recruited. We are told a redundancy package will be offered which is attractive to people in their mid-40s and early 50s. However, if the personnel in Columb Barracks in Mullingar opt for redundancy, what assurance can the Minister give that these positions will be filled? Recruitment in our area leaves a lot to be desired to say the least.
Is the Western Command Band Leader being transferred to Cork or is he transferring of his own accord? If this is the case, is there anyone available with the necessary expertise to keep the Western Command Band in Athlone? If there is to be recruitment, I understand between nine and 11 members of that band would be favourably disposed to accepting a redundancy package if the terms were agreeable. In that context and from my experience as a musician, I understand the expertise will not be available in the Army to maintain the band in Athlone.
These serious questions are being asked. I can assure the Minister it is not scaremongering. Employment in our area is a scarce commodity. Let us look at two parishes. Castletown-finnea's population has fallen by one third in seven years and four of the last six funerals there caused four houses to be closed. In Coole, County Westmeath, 80 jobs have been lost in Bord na Móna, 63 in forestry, the hospital closed a number of years ago and the Coole-Whitehall parish population has decreased by in excess of 28 per cent. The Minister can see the serious situation we face in north-west Meath with the future of an employer such as Columb Barracks at risk.
I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing this matter on the Adjournment and await the Minister's reply.
