Vol. 501 No. 2
66 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence the consultations, if any, he has had with local communities in relation to barrack closures in Castleblayney, Ballincollig, Kildare and Naas with regard to future use of these lands; if tenders for the sale of these lands have been received and accepted; and the timetable for these sales. [4894/99]
105 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to the sale of barracks; the number of meetings his Department officials have had with local committees in these areas; the results of these meetings; and if he has satisfied himself that his original estimation of the profits from these sales will be realised. [5016/99]
197 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the consultations, if any, he has had with local communities in relation to barrack closures in Castleblayney, Ballincollig, Kildare and Naas with regard to future use of these lands; if tenders for the sale of these lands have been received and accepted; and the timetable for these sales. [4937/99]
234 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the use to which premises and lands of military barracks closed in July 1998 have been put; the efforts made to achieve his preferred options as stated at the time; the maintenance, security and other costs since their closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5279/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 105, 197 and 234 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 Price Waterhouse report regarding the rationalisation of military installations generally.
Following the Government decision, I had consultations with public and community representatives in each of the five locations in which barracks were evacuated. In addition to those initial meetings, I met with Members of the Oireachtas and local councillors in relation to Castleblayney Barracks on 3 February 1999, as well as local councillors and officials from Naas Urban District Council on the same date in relation to Devoy Barracks, Naas. My officials met with councillors and officials of Kildare County Council on 11 February 1999 in relation to Magee Barracks, Kildare. Discussions also took place between my officials and officials of Cork County Council on 2 December 1998 in relation to Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, and Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig. Further meetings and consultations will take place as and when required.
Two of the barrack properties, Castleblayney and Fermoy, have already been offered for sale by public tender. The closing date for receipt of tenders was Friday, 19 February 1999 and the tenders are currently being examined. Magee Barracks, Kildare, Devoy Barracks, Naas and Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, will be placed on the market as soon as is practicable.
In relation to Ballincollig, the largest of the properties concerned, tenders have been sought from independent planning consultants for the preparation of an integrated area action plan for the future development of the property. An integral part of that plan will be to undertake a comprehensive public consultation process with all relevant community interests in the Ballincollig area.
It will not be possible to evacuate Clancy Barracks in the short-term, but it will be disposed of following the transfer of the storage facilities, which are located there, to the Curragh Camp.
I am satisfied the sale of the properties will realise the financial potential originally estimated. The cost of providing security to date at all the barracks evacuated by the Defence Forces amounts to £238,817.10 inclusive of VAT.
The Minister met officials of Naas UDC and the area community of Kildare County Council. How does he envisage 15 per cent of these lands will be donated for community purposes? Will that be agreed in consultation with Naas UDC and Kildare County Council? Will he take account of the views of the chambers of commerce and development associations as to how best to devise a plan for integrating these lands for community purposes?
We want to ensure there is broad consultation between the local community and the Department. It seems the purposes for which they will be used will vary. In the case of Devoy Barracks in Naas, there is a strong, though not conclusive view, that some lands might be dedicated for education or other purposes. That will be taken into account as part of the arrangement I will make concerning 15 per cent of that land that will be donated for community purposes. In other areas the local authorities put forward proposals for the use of these lands. Chambers of commerce, disadvantaged groups and others have put forward other proposals. I will take all these proposals into consideration and ensure we provide for the proper long-term development for the towns involved. It seems the purposes for which the land will be used will vary in each case. I am open to suggestions in this regard. I do not want to appear to be a dictator. It is important to secure consensus at local level. These army barracks were part of the anatomy of these local communities for a long time and we want to come up with the best solution for this part of the exercise.
I welcome the Minister's late found sensitivity towards these local communities. He did not give them much chance to prepare for these traumatic changes.
Twenty two years, including two terms when the Deputy's party was in Government.
The Minister did not really consult them, although I welcome the consultations that took place. What timetable does he envisage for the development of these local plans? It is important that local communities are consulted. Is a specific timetable envisaged for each of the barracks in question?
While lands at Devoy Barracks in Naas are zoned for educational purposes, if negotiations on the purpose for which those lands will be used go to the wire, will they remain zoned for that purpose? Is another avenue open concerning the sale of Devoy Barracks or will the Minister have to negotiate with Naas UDC regarding the zoning of that site?
My question is slightly outside the remit of the questions before us, but the Minister is in a generous mood. In view of the housing crisis and that the Department of Defence has a good deal of land in desirable locations, has he had discussions with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government about the possibility of giving small parcels of land to local authorities in areas other than those where barracks have been closed?
It is helpful when the Opposition supports the disposal of properties held by the Defence Forces. Deputy Timmins's point is helpful. A portfolio of all the properties concerned is being prepared. I wish to assist local authorities where we have lands that would be suitable and we are undertaking to proceed as far as we can in that regard. There are some options available.
We hope to conclude discussions with Naas UDC on an arrangement acceptable to both sides and that would facilitate the timespan for rezoning, which is a few weeks hence. If we cannot conclude those negotiations, councils have certain powers they could exercise, but I am optimistic we will conclude them.
Tenders were submitted for two properties and I am delighted to tell the House that they are above the estimated value of the properties. The timescale for the submission of the other three tenders is the end of this year.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
