asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army barracks in Dublin; and the extent to which they are being used by Army personnel.
52.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Military Barracks.
51.
asked the Minister for Defence if there are any proposals for the development or sale of the following military barracks in the Dublin area; Cathal Brugha Barracks, McKee Barracks, Clancy Barracks, Collins Barracks, Griffith Barracks and Beggars Bush Barracks; and if, in the event of their sale, Dublin Corporation will be given an opportunity of examining them in order to ascertain if they are suitable for local authority housing development.
I propose, with your permission a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.
There are five military barracks in Dublin, viz. Cathal Brugha Barracks, Collins Barracks, McKee Barracks, Clancy Barracks and Griffith Barracks.
Four of these are fully used by the Defence Forces and, in the case of the fifth, Griffith Barracks, about 25 per cent of the buildings are in military use, the remaining 75 per cent being occupied by sections of Government Departments and by the Eastern Health Board. The former soldiers' married quarters at this barracks have been in use for many years by the Corporation of Dublin for housing. The former Beggars Bush Barracks is not in the administration of my Department and is not in military use. It is under the control of the Office of Public Works and accommodates the staff of the Stationery Office.
The question of providing suitable new accommodation to meet the needs of a modern army is at present being examined by my Department. This would, of course, have considerable financial implications. If and when such accommodation is provided some at least of the old barracks will be available for disposal and in this connection account will be taken of housing and other needs.