asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider making Kildare military barracks available to the local authority or townspeople for use as premises for a factory or other industry for the town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Kildare Barracks.
Kildare military barracks are required for military purposes and are not available for any other purpose.
Would the Minister say how many troops are in the barracks at the moment?
I could not state the number there at the moment, but I think it is beyond question that Kildare Military Barracks cannot be done without by the Army.
The viewpoint of the people in Kildare town is that this magnificent barracks, in which there are very few troops, is available, and, if there was a proper garrison there, it would be of some benefit to the town, or, if it were made available for the townspeople, it could be used to the advantage of the town.
Will the Minister say whether, in fact, this barracks is the headquarters of the Artillery Corps of the Irish Army?
It is the headquarters of the Artillery Corps of the Irish Army. I have no reason to dispute what Deputy Cowan says is the viewpoint of the people of Kildare town, but I think it is fairly well known in this House that the Army policy is to keep a very small highly-trained standing Army, capable of being rapidly expanded in time of emergency, and that barracks to cater for such an expansion must be held by the Army.