Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

This is because most of the personnel serving in these installations live in the areas and will, based on previous experience with barrack closures, continue to do so, thereby minimising the impact.

The Minister accepts this was not an easy decision and obviously the Government's desire is to limit the adverse impact this relocation will have on personnel. However, the need to consolidate Defence Forces formations in a smaller number of barrack locations has been evident for some time. These proposals are designed to improve the efficiency of the Defence Forces organisation so as they can continue to discharge the roles assigned to them by Government more effectively.

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