Niall Collins
Question:14. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of the army barracks closed in 2012; the future closures he has planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39459/12]
View answerThursday, 20 September 2012
Questions (14)
Written answers
As the Minister for Defence has previously outlined to the House the consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective in the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years. This was a key consideration of Government in addressing this issue as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained notwithstanding the fall in strength. As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme, once barracks are vacated they are disposed of. The proceeds are used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure.
Since the announcement of the Government decision on barrack closures, the Department of Defence has written to each Government Department and various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in acquiring any of the properties to benefit the local community. As a result agreement has been reached with Mayo County Council for the purchase of Mitchell Barracks Castlebar. The Council has already taken over the property under a caretaker agreement pending full completion of the necessary legal paperwork to complete the transfer of Title.
There have also been discussions between officials from the Department and a number of other State agencies in relation to the sale of Kickham Barracks Clonmel. These discussions are still ongoing and it is expected that an announcement in relation to Cavan Barracks will be made shortly. Some discussion has also taken place in relation to Mullingar Barracks. However no substantial progress has been made towards achieving a sale. I can assure you that every effort will be made to dispose of the barracks so as to maximize the benefits to the local community. I can also advise the House that there are no plans for additional barrack closures.