asked the Minister for Defence if a formal decision has been taken to sell Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; if so, if he will indicate the way in which the sale will proceed; if any portions of the existing buildings will be required by the new owners to be preserved and/or conserved; if he has consulted with Dublin Corporation on this matter; and, in respect of the proceeds of the sale, if they will be used to improve other military and defence accommodation.
Written Answers. - Disposal of Dublin Army Barracks.
67.
A formal decision has been taken by the Government to dispose of Collins Barracks, Dublin. It is expected that it will be offered for sale by public tender. Before the property can be offered for sale, however, arrangements will have to be made to re-locate the military units at present located there.
The question of the preservation of any buildings and the future use of the site are matters for the planning authorities and the eventual purchaser of the property. In the past week, Dublin Corporation has approached my Department requesting permission for officials of the planning department to carry out an inspection of the barracks to enable a report to be prepared for the corporation's Coisde Pleanála agus Forbairte. My Department will be communicating with the corporation in the matter in the near future.
The proceeds of sales of surplus property are lodged to the Exchequer. The programme for the modernisation and improvement of military accommodation is funded from Subhead S of my Department's annual Vote.