Vol. 526 No. 3
179 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Defence when he will pay over the £1 million promised by him at the time he announced the closure of the Army barracks to the town of Castleblayney, County Monaghan; the way in which and to whom payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26352/00]
As the Deputy is already aware, the former military barracks at Castleblayney was sold to the North Eastern Health Board – NEHB. 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 NEHB project for the site will provide for 45 permanent appointments and a sum in excess of £1 million will be invested in 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 that 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.
