Army Barracks

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Questions (1030, 1031)

Seamus Healy

Question:

1048 Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Defence the current location of the church bell recently removed from Kickham Barracks Clonmel, County Tipperary; if he will arrange to have the bell returned to Clonmel; the details of any annuity, ground rent or other such payment, if any, payable in respect of Kickham Barracks; the details of protected structures and listed building on the site of Kickham Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18207/12]

Written answers

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

The church in Kickham Barracks was deconsecrated prior to the closure of the barracks and the bell which was considered to be a religious item was removed to Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick. Following a review of the matter arrangements are now being made to re-locate the bell back to the Church in Kickham Barracks. There are no annuities, ground rent or other such payment being made in respect of Kickham Barracks by my Department.

The entire barrack site is a protected structure.

Willie Penrose

Question:

1049 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the level of security being provided at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath which was vacated on 28 March following the decision to close same; the person who is charged with the responsibility for providing such security or who has been hired or engaged, or will be hired or engaged to provide the security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18206/12]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Alan Shatter)

Following the closure of Columb Barracks Mullingar my Department has arranged to put in place certain security measures at the barracks. Because of security considerations I am unable to give details as to what these measures are. However I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to provide the best possible security at the barracks.