Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2011
499 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence his immediate and medium-term plans for Dun Uí Neill Army Barracks, Cavan; his plans for this facility should it close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27143/11]
View answer500 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence his immediate and medium-term plans for Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath; his plans for this facility for should it close; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27144/11]
View answer504 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence his plans for Kickham Barracks, Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27173/11]
View answer505 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the date on which he will announce further barracks closures. [27230/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499, 500, 504 and 505 together.
As of now, no decision has been made by the Government on the future of any military installation. The issue of the closure of barracks no longer required for operational reasons to effect necessary savings will, however, be considered shortly by Government. Various commissions, reports and studies back to the 1990s identified barrack closures as a fundamental requirement towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency. Since 1998 a total of ten barracks have been closed under two barrack consolidation programmes. A total of €84.98 million has been realised from the disposal of six of these barracks and part of another. The moneys received from the sales of such properties have been reinvested in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
I wish to ensure that all decisions made and resources utilised are focused on maximizing the capabilities of the Defence Forces and ensuring their continued operational excellence. I am also anxious to ensure, in so far as is possible, that the Government is not compelled by fiscal and budgetary constraints to effect any substantial reduction in the current number of personnel in the Defence Forces.
