Ivor Callely
Ceist:6 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence if he will retain the aircraft facility in Gormanston Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16997/01]
Other Questions. - Defence Forces Property.
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 on 15 May 2001, 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 be put on the market will be determined shortly but the military camp of 57 acres will not be disposed of.
Casement Aerodrome 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 provision of resources for civilian aviation purposes is primarily a matter for the Department of Public Enterprise.
When will the Air Corps move to Baldonnel from Gormanston? Is there a timeframe for the move?
It has gone over the time. Prior to the production of the White Paper, a decision was taken to relocate the headquarters to Casement Aerodrome. However, improvement work and the provision of facilities were required to meet the needs of the Air Corps personnel who were relocating to Baldonnel. That is under way and should be completed in the next couple of months.
Have representations been made to the Department by private enterprise regarding the possible purchase of the facilities at Gormanston? Has the Department had any contacts regarding its proposals for the site?
There have been some preliminary contacts from interests in relation to flying training but it is early days. We have not yet decided the acreage. The camp will remain and there are 24 acres across the railway line, so further work must be done before a final decision is taken. There are no concrete proposals.