Paul Kehoe
Ceist:
99. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide information in relation to the extent of lands effected by ordnance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
It has not been possible in the time available to prepare a substantive response to the question from the Deputy.
A response to the question will be prepared and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
SUBSTANTIVE ANSWER: I refer to your recent Parliamentary Question requesting information in relation to the extent of lands effected by ordnance at the firing range at Gormanstown, whether the range is still active and if records are available regarding the amount of ordnance that would have been discharged into this area. This information was not available in advance of the deadline for Parliamentary Questions response.
I can now confirm that while the range at Gormanstown was closed during 2020 for upgrades, the firing range at Gormanstown is an operational range in 2 Brigade which is used by the Defence Forces (Air Corps and the Army). The range and camp at Gormanstown are also used extensively by both the Defence Forces and Gardaí for training purposes.
With regard to your enquiry regarding the lands effected by the firing range, please find attached map and image of the range area in Gormanston which shows the lands and sea active for range practice. There are no records readily available on the amount of ordnance used at this location for the past 100 years.
I trust this information is of assistance.
