Departmental Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Questions (271, 272)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

271. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the reason notice has been given that there will be restricted access to Columb Barracks, Mullingar; and the reason this was not communicated in a manner that ensured each of the community groups that operated from the barracks had the information prior to it being released to the public given the situation that has transpired has created uncertainty, a lack of trust and a perceived breach of agreement between the groups and Departments. [5567/22]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

272. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if the restricted hours regarding access to Columb Barracks are being currently negotiated; the person or body with whom they are being negotiated; when they were negotiated; the criteria that is being used; and the way the valued and valuable community groups who work with and provide services to persons in need across the town and district can actively participate and feed into a final decision at the earliest opportunity. [5569/22]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the majority of current occupiers of Columb Barracks are there without the express legal permission of my Department and in accordance with an earlier Government decision this property is to transfer to the Land development Agency for housing provision. I am advised that my Department has not issued any notice to the occupiers of the Department's property regarding restricting access to that facility.

Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 271.