Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 June 2016
692. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 632 of 24 May 2016, if his plans to sell the property at Columb Barracks can be put on hold while a local group carries out feasibility studies on this site and present the findings of this study to him. [14640/16]
View answerFollowing the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department has explored a number of avenues to try and secure the long term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. Government Departments and other Public Bodies, including Westmeath County Council, have been invited to declare any interest in acquiring the property. To date no interest has been identified. As the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained. The disposal of the property by public auction will be actively progressed in keeping with the Government’s policy and recent practice to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes.
Having regard to progressing disposal of the property and in this context its potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to these ends. However, having regard to the local community and development interest, I would suggest that any local groups should engage with Westmeath County Council to explore such opportunities.
