Written answers

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Department of Defence

Departmental Expenditure

10:00 pm

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Defence the costs incurred in relation to the army barracks closed in 2009 to date; the breakdown of the costs per barracks and per heading, including evacuation, moving, maintenance, travel, security and all other costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24852/09]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost per soldier of the moves associated with the closure of a number of army barracks and property to date, since the announcement of the closure plans in Budget 2009, including payments made to soldiers and families of soldiers related to their relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24845/09]

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost of providing security services to oversee vacant military properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24716/09]

Photo of Joanna TuffyJoanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Defence the position in regard to barracks closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24715/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 45, 57 and 92 together.

The Government decision of 14 October 2008 approved a programme for consolidation of Defence Forces formations and the closure of four barracks at Monaghan, Longford, Rockhill and Lifford in Donegal. These barracks closed at the end of January 2009.

Most of the costs at the level of the individual soldier are once off or short-term costs arising from payment of Change of Station Allowance and the provision of transport on a temporary basis. Actual expenditure on Change of Station can only be determined once all claims have been received and processed. While a number of claims have been received to date, it is expected that there may be other personnel, who might have an entitlement, but have not yet submitted a claim. As a result, the detailed cost per soldier is not yet available.

The evacuation and movement of personnel and equipment from the closed barracks to the new locations was completed using Defence Force transport assets and, as such, no substantive additional costs were incurred in the move.

The costs incurred to date in 2009 at Monaghan are as follows: maintenance/repairs etc. €Nil, utilities €10,318, and provision of security €3,462.75.

The costs in relation to Longford are as follows: maintenance/repairs etc. €7,786.40, utilities €4,915, and provision of security €1,530.90.

The costs for Rockhill in 2009 are: maintenance/repairs etc. €6,365.65, utilities €2,784.88, and provision of security €2,741.04 and for Lifford are: maintenance/repairs etc. €7,478, utilities €2,664.19, and provision of security €2,128.68.

I'm sure Deputies will understand the need to secure the properties and maintain them in reasonably good order so as they do not fall into disrepair, are subject to vandalism or become eyesores in the towns in which they are located. The maintenance of the properties will also be important in ensuring my Department secures a reasonable price for the properties when they are disposed of.

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