Louis J. Belton
Ceist:13 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement as to the future of Connolly Barracks, Longford; and whether there are any plans to upgrade facilities at this barracks in 1991.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford Barracks.
There are no plans at present to discontinue the use of Connolly Barracks, Longford, as a military barracks. A number of improvement works costing £30,000 were completed at the barracks recently. The extent of the works to be undertaken at the barracks this year is under examination in my Department.
I welcome the news from the Minister that at this time there is no question of the closure of Longford Barracks or the reduction of Army personnel. I am sure the Minister is aware of the importance of the barracks to Longford, where there has been a long and significant association with military personnel. I understand from the Minister that improvements have been carried out but that work has now come to an end. In the not too recent past there was a policy to extend the Army barracks in Longford. Has this policy now been dropped by the Government?
A number of works proposals have been made. As I have already indicated, works costing £30,000 have been completed. A number of proposals for additional works have been received and are being considered at present which would cost over £100,000. In relation to further development or extension of the barracks, that is a separate matter. Certainly, the works proposals before the Department at present will be considered in due course.
When will a decision be made, have funds of the order of £100,000 been provided in the Estimates for Connolly Barracks or is it an aspiration more than a fact?
That particular matter will have to be considered in the light of priorities and also the issue of funding available at the time. Certainly, every consideration will be given to it and I can assure the Deputy that the Minister for Finance has a special interest in that also.
Question No. 14, please.
I did not think the Minister of State would have to assure me of the interest of the Minister for Finance.
It was in case the Deputy had forgotten about it.