Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2010
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with the various local authorities with a view to making provision for army overholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23757/10]
View answerThe Department has had three meetings with Kildare County Council over the past two years to discuss, amongst other things, the issue of the continued occupation of married quarters by former members of the Defence Forces. Discussions have not taken place with any other local authority, as this is predominantly an issue arising in relation to the Curragh Camp. Kildare County Council has informed the Department that the overholders must be registered on their housing list before any consideration can be given to providing accommodation for them.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the projections arising from the closing and disposal of various military barracks throughout the country over the past 12 years has been realised; the receipts from such sales; the costs associated therewith; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23758/10]
View answerTen military barracks have been closed since 1998. The receipts accruing from the sale of first five barracks were as follows: Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig €44.5m, Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy €973,889, Devoy Barracks, Naas €9.3m, Castleblayney Barracks €761,843, and Clancy Barracks, Islandbridge €25.4m.
The Government decided on 1st July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress Affordable Housing Initiative. However, this will not now occur and the Department has retained control of this property.
In relation to the Government decision of 14 October 2008 that approved the closure of the barracks at Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford in Donegal the current position is as follows; Rockhill Military post is being prepared for public sale, although an agreement is in place with another Government agency for the purchase of part of the lands. Lifford Military post is under negotiation with another Government agency. An agreement is in place to dispose of part of Connolly Barracks, Longford to a Government agency and some interest has been recorded in the remaining portion of the barracks. An agreement for sale is also in place in relation to Monaghan Barracks. Minimal costs are incurred in relation to the sale of premises as the preferred method is by public tender.
