asked the Minister for Defence the procedures he intends to use for the planned disposal of Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; if he intends to attach any conditions as to the preservation of all or any of the buildings or to the future use of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Collins Barracks, Dublin.
19.
(Limerick West): Collins Barracks will be offered for sale on the open market. The question of the preservation of any buildings and the future use of the site are matters for the planning authority and the eventual purchaser of the property.
Is it the Minister's intention that the barracks and site should be sold in their entirety? Has he received any advice on the architectural and historical importance of any portion of the barracks and does he intend to retain any part of it in his ownership in view of that advice?
(Limerick West): The question of whether the barracks should be sold in its entirety or in portions is being looked at. The matters the Deputy has raised will be taken into consideration if necessary.
On a number of occasions during Question Time the Minister has told us that various decisions were taken on the basis of advice tendered to him by the Army authorities. Did he receive any advice from the Army authorities recommending the disposal of this barracks?
(Limerick West): The question of advice with regard to the disposal of barracks or any other matter is ongoing between the military authorities and myself. As the Minister who is interested in the Defence Forces of course I have continuous advice from the military authorities. That will be taken into consideration and the decision ultimately will be made by me as Minister.
Is this decision not being taken in the teeth of the advice tendered?
In the context of Collins Barracks, is the Minister acting on the advice of the Army authorities? Why is he willing to advise us that in the context of Dunree Army Fort he is acting on the advice of the Army authorities but is apparently reluctant or unwilling to indicate what advice he has received from the Army authorities as regards Collins Barracks? Can the Minister clarify the reason for this?
(Limerick West): The advice I receive from the military authorities is ongoing. Of course I seek the advice of the Army authorities on any decision that would be made, but the final decision would be made by me as Minister and by the Government if necessary.
The Army authorities disagree with what the Minister is suggesting in regard to Collins barracks. It is obvious.
Order. I am calling Deputy McCartan.
Does the Minister intend to retain the option of attaching conditions of sale requiring preservation? He has suggested that it is primarily a matter for the local authority but does he not accept that he has available the option of including conditions in the sale requiring preservation, if the advice is to that effect?
(Limerick West): Yes. If that is necessary it will be done in consultation with the local authorities.