The Government, on 15 July 1998, 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 Government remains fully committed to this important programme.
It is expected that up to £50 million will be raised from the immediate sale of the barracks, and 60 per cent of the proceeds will be invested in the redevelopment of other military installations and new equipment. The balance will be used both to meet the cost of compensation claims and for investment in the local communities where closures take place.
The proposed sales will provide prime sites to meet housing, commercial and industrial development needs in the areas concerned. In addition, 15 per cent of the proceeds are to be devoted to community projects in the areas concerned. This is a consultative process involving many Departments, agencies, councils and organisations, including my own Department. While there have been preliminary discussions with local community groups, various details and arrangements still require to be sorted out.
Private security firms will continue to secure the properties and will remain in place until the sale of the properties is completed. The current contracts will be reviewed after a three month period. It is not possible at this stage to give a definitive indication as to when the sales will be completed. However, they will be completed in the shortest possible timeframe.
The costs incurred for private security services up to 6 November 1998 is approximately £51,000.