Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 May 2013
319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number and location of the various military installations throughout the country which are currently fully operational, those that have been earmarked for closure in the coming years; the extent of the savings projected arising from proposed closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21560/13]
View answerThe military installations including permanently occupied barracks currently fully operational are set out in the following table. Whilst my Department’s property portfolio is kept under constant review, as I indicated to the House previously there are no plans for further barrack closures. In addition to these installations a number of other smaller properties are used by Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Units throughout the country. As the Deputy is aware a major re-organisation of the Reserve is being implemented which has resulted in a new organisational structure for the Army Reserve based on a “Single Force” concept where Defence Forces Units have Permanent and Reserve elements. These Units are based in Permanent Defence Force (PDF) installations throughout the country and in 16 locations outside of those installations. As a result a number of smaller properties currently occupied by the Reserve are being closed and will be disposed of. In accordance with standard practice my Department has contacted the various Government Departments and State Agencies to establish if those bodies have an interest in acquiring any of these properties. When my Department has exhausted all possible sales to other State Agencies and Government Departments the remaining properties will be disposed of by public tender/auction with the proceeds being used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. As a result of these closures there will be some small savings on utilities and maintenance but it is not possible to quantify those savings at this stage. However, this new model for the Reserve will offer significant advantages in terms of training, improved interoperability and will enhance the overall capability of the Defence Forces. These changes will reduce direct expenditure on the Reserve by €11 million, whilst maintaining the budget for Reserve training activity.
FULLY OPERATIONAL MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
|
County |
Installation |
|
Cork |
Kilworth Camp, Kilworth |
|
Naval Base, Haulbowline |
|
|
Collins Barracks |
|
|
Donegal |
Finner Camp, Bundoran |
|
Dublin |
Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel |
|
Cathal Brugha Barracks |
|
|
McKee Barracks |
|
|
St. Bricin’s Hospital |
|
|
Galway |
Renmore Barracks |
|
Kildare |
Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp |
|
Kilkenny |
Stephens Barracks |
|
Limerick |
Sarsfield Barracks |
|
Louth |
Aiken Barracks, Dundalk |
|
Meath |
Gormanston Camp |
|
Westmeath |
Custume Barracks, Athlone |
|
Wicklow |
Glen of Imaal |
|
Kilbride Camp |
