Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
266. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence when an organisation (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be granted a lease in respect of a portion of property which it occupies at Columb Barracks in Mullingar, County Westmeath, given that this issue is ongoing for almost two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2336/16]
View answerIrish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) have occupied the former Officers Mess building in the Barracks since late 2014 and have requested a long term lease on the premises. Officials from the Department have met IUNVA representatives on site to discuss the Association’s plans for the Barracks and have raised issues regarding those plans. The premises were initially provided to IUNVA on the basis that it would be used as a meeting place for members of the Association. Since then it has come to our attention that IUNVA’s long term vision for the premises include the provision of a coffee shop, overnight accommodation for its members and a bar. A lease is currently being considered in that context.
Also the Department of Justice and Equality, who are the lead Department for the refugee accommodation programme, are considering whether any of the buildings falling within the remit of my Department, including Columb Barracks, are suitable for the purposes of temporary accommodation for refugees.
While the Department supports the ongoing use of the Barracks by the local community the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained given that the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes.
In this regard Officials from the Department are scheduled to meet with the CEO of Westmeath County Council in the coming weeks to discuss possible future plans for the Barracks. They would also be happy to discuss, with any interested group, any proposals they may have for the possible purchase and future development of the site for the benefit of the local community.
This is in keeping with the Department’s policy to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes.
