Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1941. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the purchasing of a building in Tralee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/16]
View answerFriday, 16 September 2016
Questions (1941)
Written answers
I remain fully committed to making Defence resources available to provide assistance where possible to support the implementation of the Strategy on Homelessness. My Department has for example made available to Dublin City Council 25 bed places in St Bricin’s military installation in Dublin as emergency accommodation for the homeless. The Department continues to co-operate in whatever way it can with any local authority in helping to assist with and alleviate the current homeless situation.
No formal approach has been made to the Department on the use or purchase of the Barracks or adjoining lands to provide accommodation for persons who are homeless. Ballymullen Barracks is an operational barracks which is used for both Operations and Training by the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces. However, if the Department of Defence receives a formal request in this regard from the Local Authority it will of course be considered.