Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:51. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the discussions that have been had with the Defence Forces with regard to the use of Cathal Brugha barracks for housing. [13296/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (51, 56)
John Brady
Ceist:56. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the purpose of the feasibility study on the future of Cathal Brugha Barracks; the terms of reference for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 56 together.
Cathal Brugha Barracks is the only operational military installation in Dublin City and plays a key role in meeting ongoing Defence Forces' operational and emergency. In recognition that the issue of a relocation arises periodicaly, my Department has secured funding, under the Housing For All implementation fund, to engage consultants to carry out a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study in relation to the viability of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks to another city centre location or location on the outskirts of Dublin City. The purpose of the study is to allow for the identification of all the implications and practicalities of such a possible relocation, thus facilaiting a fully informed debate on the matter. An InterDepartmental Steering Group was recently established to oversee this project.
This is an exploratory exercise, which will allow an informed debate to take place on the implications, and indeed the practality, of responding to the calls to relocate out of the current location. For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to reiterate that Government has made no decision to relocate the Defence Forces from Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Representative Associations and other stakeholders, including civilian employees, will be kept appraised of progress.