Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The site of the former Magee Barracks in Kildare town comprises, as the Deputy may know, some 64 acres. The then Government decided on 1 July 2003 that the former barracks in Kildare would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. On foot of this announcement, Kildare County Council prepared a local area plan for the site which encompassed a range of uses, including community activities in accordance with the commitment of July 2002. The Department had been involved in the process of transferring ownership to Kildare County Council and the final contract of sale was sent to the solicitors for the council in 2009. I believe I made reference to this matter on a previous occasion in the House. However, the local authority subsequently contacted the Department to state it no longer wished to proceed with the development and did not have any interest in taking possession of the property.

The property now essentially remains with the Department of Defence. It will be disposed of by the Department, taking account of market conditions to maximise the return to the Defence Forces. No decision has yet been made as to when steps will be taken to dispose of the site. This is a matter to which careful consideration will be given.

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