Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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13. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the security and other costs of the Army barracks which were closed during the term of this Government; and the plans for their future use. [20060/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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During the term of this Government four barracks have been closed – Kickham Barracks Clonmel, O’ Neill Barracks Cavan, Columb Barracks Mullingar and Mitchell Barracks Castlebar. The closures were effective from March 2012. Agreement in principle has been reached for the sale of Kickham Barracks to South Tipperary County Council. To date a total of €101,703.60 has been spent on security/management fees and €112,223.31 on utilities and other minor maintenance works. O’Neill Barracks Cavan was sold to the then Co Cavan VEC. From its closure in March 2012 to its sale in early 2013, €62,453.25 was spent on security, €27,884.40 on utilities and €39,757.98 on maintenance works.

Columb Barracks Mullingar remains in ownership of my Department. It is currently under lease to Westmeath GAA Board. To date €183,513.79 has been spent on security costs, €71,973.27 on utilities and approximately €15,000 on maintenance works.

Mitchell Barracks Castlebar has been sold to Mayo County Council and the sale is expected to close in the coming months. To date €9,224.77 has been spent on security, €4,334.91 on utilities and €2,783.01 on maintenance works.

I am pleased to see that many of the former Barracks will be used for community, educational and sporting purposes in the future.