Vol. 514 No. 3
123 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence if he will ensure that the £1 million he promised to the people of Castleblayney on the closure of Camp Muckno will be used to build a swimming pool and gymnasium to be run jointly by the North Eastern Health Board and a local community committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4389/00]
At a meeting with Castleblayney Urban District Council on 15 July 1999, I indicated that I had decided to dispose of the former military barracks to the North Eastern Health Board and that the property would be transferred as soon as possible. In this regard the former barracks was handed over to the board on 9 February 2000 on foot of a caretaker's agreement pending completion of the legal formalities.
It is envisaged that the proposed project will provide for 45 permanent appointments and a sum in excess of £1 million will be invested on the provision of the necessary facilities. In addition, the annual revenue to the town is estimated to be in the region of £1.2 million. The proposal from the NEHB includes a gymnasium, an all-weather pitch and a swimming pool. I understand these facilities would be made available to the local community when not in use for child care purposes. The arrangements regarding their use will be a matter to be agreed between the local community and the North Eastern Health Board.
