Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2011
134 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding lands (details supplied) in view of the consideration to the recommendations of the McCarthy report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10932/11]
View answerThe Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. In relation to properties that are surplus to military requirements the Department will dispose of them taking into account market conditions. As is the norm, where a property is leased the leasee will be given first option to purchase the property. The lands owned by the Department in County Kildare consist of the Curragh Plains, properties on the periphery of the Curragh, Magee Barracks, Kildare Town and a property in Clane. Agreement has been reached in relation to the property in Clane and it is currently being conveyed. There are six properties located in Orchard Park, Curragh and an agreement is in place to sell one of these. The Department is prepared to sell the remainder subject to reasonable offers being made by the occupiers. Consideration is currently been given to dispose of the properties on the periphery of the Curragh. The Department is considering the future of the old barracks in Kildare Town following the withdrawal of Kildare County Council's interest in acquiring it.
