Clare Daly
Question:542. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in relation to Columb Barracks being made available to army reserves and veterans groups. [34579/14]
View answerWednesday, 17 September 2014
Questions (542)
Written answers
A portion of the former barracks in Mullingar has been licensed by my 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 soon.
The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and these arrangements will remain in place.
My Department has had communication with the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) as to their possible use of Columb Barracks and is also aware that the Association has written to Westmeath GAA Board. In this regard the Department has also written to the Board asking that the local branch of IUNVA be facilitated within the barracks when the new arrangements are put in place. It is understood that Westmeath GAA Board have responded positively to IUNVA regarding their request.
The position in relation to the local Reserve Defence Force will be reviewed once the discussions on a lease arrangement with Westmeath GAA Board are completed.