Written Answers - Defence Forces Property.
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:
149
Ms Fitzgerald
asked the
Minister for Defence
the cost of private security to date at each of the barracks earmarked for closure; if there has been a review of the decision to sell in any of the cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[12460/01]
The costs to date of security at each of the vacated former military barracks are as follows:
|
Location
|
Cost
|
|
Ballincollig
|
£438,247.14
|
|
Fermoy
|
£236,956.76
|
|
Naas
|
£276,604.34
|
|
Castleblayney
|
£103,398.15
|
|
Kildare
|
£88,920.48
|
Arising from the temporary provision of accommodation for asylum seekers, the cost of security at Magee Barracks, Kildare is now being met by the Office of Public Works and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Castleblayney Military Barracks was transferred to the North-Eastern Health Board on a caretaker basis on 9 February 2000 and no further costs will fall to be met by my Department in relation to that property. Clancy Barracks has not yet been vacated and therefore no security costs have been incurred in respect of that property.
Significant savings have arisen since the evacuation of the five barracks placed under private security arrangements. On military security duty allowances alone, it is estimated that savings to date amount to almost £870,000. In addition, there have been significant savings on utility costs, such as telephone, gas and electricity charges at each of the evacuated barracks which, for example, would have amounted to approximately £147,000 in the case of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig.
The legal formalities of sales agreed in respect of Fermoy, Naas and Castleblayney are being progressed at present. Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, will be placed on the market when Cork County Council complete their deliberations on the integrated action area plan commissioned for that property. Clancy Barracks, Dublin, will be evacuated in the near future and will be offered for sale shortly. In view of the need for accommodation for asylum seekers, it has not been possible to arrange for the disposal of Magee Barracks, Kildare, however, this matter is being kept under review.
