Vol. 556 No. 4
103 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he will make Gormanstown Army Barracks available for the National Community Games finals, in view of the closure of Mosney; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20281/02]
The Minister for Defence met representatives of the Community Games earlier this year in connection with their interest in securing a permanent home for the games at Gormanston. The position in relation to Gormanston Military Camp was explained to them. It has been decided to dispose of some land at Gormanston Camp, County Meath, to fund essential equipment purchases for the Defence Forces. The precise area to be put on the market has yet to be finally determined but the military camp comprising approximately 58 acres will be retained. When the lands become available for disposal they will, in the normal course, be offered for sale by public tender and the Community Games will have an opportunity of submitting a tender.
As the matter of a venue for the Community Games is one for the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, he was apprised of the approach by the Community Games in this matter. The Minister was again approached in recent weeks by the Community Games regarding a venue for the National Community Games finals which he understands as referring to those being held in 2003. The matter will be considered taking account of the likely position obtaining at that time in relation to the proposed disposal of the Gormanston lands.
