Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that the former Magee Barracks in Kildare town would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the sustaining progress affordable housing initiative. My Department has been involved in the process of transferring ownership to Kildare County Council with the final contract of sale being sent to the solicitors for Kildare County Council earlier this year.

However, in light of the recent significant changes in the housing market and the associated implications for affordable housing, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is reviewing the affordable housing initiative and will be bringing proposals to the Government presently. The Magee Barracks site is being considered in that context.

The project board established to oversee the development of the site via a public private partnership has recently concluded the site cannot economically be developed at this time for the purposes of the affordable housing initiative. My Department will consider the future of the site in the light of any decisions reached by the Government. In the meantime, arrangements are being made to enhance the security of the site.

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