Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2014
150. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide the details of the arrangement between his Department and the GAA regarding the leasing of Columb Barracks in Mullingar; the time for which the lease is held; and the cost of same. [28787/14]
View answer151. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the consideration that has been given to ex-soldiers represented by the Irish United Veterans Association and other local groups in Mullingar to be facilitated at Columb Barracks. [28788/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
A part of the barracks has been licenced by the Department to Westmeath GAA Board for use as a training centre. Discussions are at an advanced stage with the Board in relation to the possible lease of a more substantial part of the facility and these discussions should be completed over the coming months. As the discussions are ongoing and confidential to the parties involved it would not be appropriate to furnish details.
Columb Barracks is also currently used by an Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and these arrangements will remain in place. The Department has had some communications with the Irish United Veterans Association (IUNVA) as to their possible use of Columb Barracks.
