Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I attended a public meeting in Cavan town last night regarding the possible closure of Dún Uí Néill Barracks. Approximately 500 people were in attendance, which provides an insight into the significant concerns in Cavan town and its environs about the future of the barracks. As someone who has worked in the Cavan area for many years, I fully acknowledge the substantial contribution the Defence Forces have made to Cavan and the entire Border region. My Oireachtas colleagues and I listened carefully to the concerns of those who attended last night's meeting. As an elected representative of the Cavan-Monaghan constituency, I believe it is important that those concerns are highlighted in the Dáil Chamber this evening.

The location of the barracks in close proximity to the Border means the security situation must be taken into account. There continues to be a threat from dissident activities in Border areas. I want to pay tribute to the members of the Defence Forces who have served in the Border area. They were under threat for many years. They worked in under very difficult circumstances in the Border region, often in fear of losing their lives. The barracks in Cavan represent an ideal location for accommodating troops in the event of the arrival of another agricultural disease like foot and mouth disease or BSE. The Defence Forces previously played an important role in ensuring Ireland maintained its disease-free status.

The potential closure of Dún Uí Néill barracks and the redeployment of troops to various other barracks would lead to social disruption for many families. Young families might have no option other than to move away from Cavan. This would result in hardship for young children if they had to change schools. There are concerns that the barracks in Athlone and Dundalk do not have the necessary accommodation to cater for additional troops. They have been overcrowded since other barracks were closed by the previous Government. It is important to bear in mind that the Defence Forces often carry out duties which go beyond their remit. The Defence Forces stepped in during last year's extremely inclement weather to ensure nurses and other workers could be brought to Cavan General Hospital.

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