Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - Gormanston Military Camp.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

105 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence if media reports that Gormanston Military Camp, County Meath is to be closed and sold are accurate; if so, the plans he has for the Air Corps personnel and troops stationed there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10532/01]

Jack Wall

Ceist:

108 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to Gormanston Airfield, County Meath; if it is to be sold; if so, the effect this will have on its use as an airfield; the effect it will have in relation to training facilities for members of the Air Corps; if it will affect land or sea rescue operations in the area; the plans for the land which is not for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10739/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 108 together.

I have decided to dispose of some land at Gormanston Camp, County Meath to fund equipment purchases for the Defence Forces. The precise area to put on the market will be determined shortly. However, the military camp of 57 acres will not be disposed of.

Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel is the principal base of the Air Corps. With the withdrawal of aircraft from Gormanston and the relocation of Air Corps headquarters to Baldonnel, the Air Corps has the basis for better management of its resources. The closure of the airfield will have no detrimental effect on search and rescue operations.