Vol. 494 No. 3
1 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the current strategy on barrack closures and future use of these lands and buildings in Fermoy, Ballincollig, Naas, Kildare, Castleblaney and Clancy barracks, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18206/98]
2 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date regarding the sale of Army barracks announced recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18211/98]
4 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the real estate policy of his Department; the plans, if any, he has to close further barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18210/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 4 together.
On 15 July 1998 the Government approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks which are considered surplus to military requirements. This decision is part of the relocation, refurbishment and re-equipment of the Defence Forces, as recommended in the context of the Price Waterhouse report regarding the rationalisation of military institutions generally. The purpose of the decision was to remove from the Defence Forces the burden imposed by manning and maintaining unnecessary installations and will result in considerable savings in security and maintenance costs at the locations concerned. It will also release troops for operational duties which will have a positive impact on the security duty capacity of the Defence Forces and will free up resources for necessary re-equipment.
With regard to further closures, you may be assured that there are no plans in relation to the closure of any barracks other than those announced on 15 July. The sale of lands and barracks will proceed as soon as possible. The proposed sales will provide prime sites to meet housing, commercial and industrial needs in the areas concerned and I intend to maximise the potential of all the properties involved.
