Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The Government seems to have got itself into another fine mess and has failed to produce a plan for the managed closure of the four barracks in question. For example, senior personnel are unable to brief the 650 personnel who will be moved as a result of the closures. Last Tuesday, when the budget was being announced, a senior officer in Monaghan barracks had no knowledge that the barracks was to be closed.

What savings will the four closures achieve given the costs associated with maintaining and securing the barracks and the substantial cost of moving Army personnel? Additional costs will arise from providing accommodation for personnel and storage facilities for equipment in other barracks. The Minister does not seem to realise that personnel who will be required to relocate as a result of the closures will face significant transport costs. For example, those based in Donegal town will have to make a daily round trip of approximately 150 miles to Finner. That is not good enough.

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