Since 1998 a total of fourteen barracks have been closed under various barrack consolidation programmes. To-date seven of these barracks — Clancy (Dublin), Castleblaney, Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Monaghan and a large portion of Longford — have been sold. In relation to the remaining barracks agreement has been reached for the sale of Lifford and Rockhill to Donegal County Council and Castlebar to Mayo County Council.
Discussions are ongoing in relation to the possible sale of Cavan Barracks and a portion of Clonmel Barracks to other State Agencies and the remaining part of Longford has been reserved for the OPW for the local Garda Síochána.
Magee Barracks in Kildare and Columb Barracks in Mullingar remain the property of the Department.
The total realised to-date in terms of sales of surplus property is €84m approx. This, together with income of €18m approx. from the sale of other smaller military properties and married quarters has been re-invested in providing equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.
All remaining vacated barracks as well as any properties identified as surplus to military requirements will be disposed of by my Department, taking account of the market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces.