Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I listened carefully to the remarks of the Minister on several related questions and I refer to the socio-economic argument against the closures. Will the Minister agree there was a very different economic climate in the aftermath of the closures ten years ago? There will not be a great deal of demand for the sites in question, namely, the 30 acres in Letterkenny, the 2.6 acres in Lifford, the 20 acres in Monaghan and perhaps even the eight acres in Dublin. In the short term to medium term there will be no major developments that will create employment in construction. It has never been more important to have money circulating in our towns throughout the country to the maximum extent possible. The retail trade is taking a significant hit throughout the country. I do not accept the argument that there will be an economic spin-off or improvement from the proposed land disposals in the short term, medium term or the longer term. Is the Minister seriously saying these properties will be sold for development in the short term or medium term and that the barracks will be replaced by projects which will benefit the local economy?

The Minister provided a figure of €500,000 associated with the cost of facilities and accommodation at the three other barracks to accommodate the people being transferred. It is very difficult to accept that this figure is accurate. I accept it is the estimate he has been given and I do not question that, but it seems, with 650 troops and 40 civilian personnel being transferred, a great deal more will be needed to finance the move. Does the Minister agree that the estimate of €30 million to be generated by the disposal of the properties is, to say the least, unrealistic?

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