Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Barrett for raising this matter and I will reply on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, who is unavailable at this time.

I welcome the opportunity to set out the position with regard to the provision of accommodation to facilitate Reserve Defence Force training in Dún Laoghaire. Ensuring that suitable premises are available throughout the country to facilitate training by this important element of the Defence Forces, is a priority of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. However, locating suitable premises at an economic price has proved difficult, especially in the greater Dublin area.

For many years the coastguard station at Dún Laoghaire harbour was used by the Reserve Defence Force. However, in recent years, the harbour was transferred to the Minister with responsibility for the marine who then transferred it to the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, a statutory commercial semi-State body, under the Harbours Act 1996.

The premises were used for the training of B company 62 reserve infantry battalion and the Naval Service Reserve. Regrettably, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company informed the Department of Defence that it was not in a position to renew the existing letting agreement and a notice to quit was issued on 31 March 2006. The property was vacated on 28 April 2006.

The Naval Reserve is based in Cathal Brugha Barracks. B company, 62 reserve infantry battalion is served from its headquarters at Rockbrae House, Bray, where the cadre staff are located. Members of B company, 62 reserve infantry battalion currently train in Cathal Brugha Barracks and Rockbrae House. This is seen as a temporary measure pending the acquisition of suitable premises in the Dún Laoghaire area. While Oatlands College, Stillorgan, is used occasionally, it is not considered suitable as a permanent training centre.

The Department is actively seeking a suitable venue in Dún Laoghaire. However, it has proved difficult to find properties which are appropriate having regard to the conditions governing their letting, including the cost and the changing requirements of both the lessors and the Reserve Defence Force units.

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