Defence Forces Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2015

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Questions (151)

Michael McGrath

Question:

151. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the role of his Department in the development of a certain project (details supplied) in County Cork; the role of the Naval Service in the development of the project; the impact, if any, of the project on the operations of the Naval Service; the ownership of the land parcels in question; the amount of funding allocated by his Department and other public bodies to the project thus far; the funding that is required to deliver the project; the role of any other constituent bodies involved in the project; the role of ocean yacht racing facilities in the project, including information on whether such facilities will be municipal in nature or, if not, the selection criteria and tendering arrangements that will apply in the selection of those who may have use of the facility; the next steps in the process, including the timeline for its delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12597/15]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Haulbowline Island Master Plan was commissioned by Cork County Council in November 2014. The creation of a Master Plan for the Island was considered necessary in order to identify a vision for the sustainable development of the remediated Island, linking industrial development and tourism potential alongside the activities in the Naval Base. It was also to ensure that the necessary remediation infrastructural works can, where possible, complement future development plans for the Island and thereby provide economies.

As you may be aware, ownership of Haulbowline Island has been temporarily transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to facilitate the completion of the remedial works. Accordingly, funding for the remedial works has been included in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Vote for 2015. The Department of Defence has received no funding in respect of the remedial work or the development of the draft Master Plan.

The Master Plan is still at the drafting stage and it is not possible to provide definitive answers regarding the ultimate impact of the Master Plan on the operations of the Naval Service. The position of the Naval Service as the priority user of Haulbowline has been stressed by the Department of Defence during the development of the Plan. The Department has facilitated consideration of the development of those parts of the island not required now or in the future for Naval Service operations and support while focussing on ensuring that the Plan is supportive of the Naval Service.

Regarding any specific developments on the Island, I repeat that as the Plan is still at the drafting stage it would be premature to comment on the likelihood of the inclusion or implementation of any particular recommendation.

I understand that the drafting of the Masterplan for Haulbowline is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.