James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

With regard to the value for money review, we must consider the whole portfolio of buildings, including the barracks that have been closed, and their value to communities, especially when they are in prime locations in the middle of towns. I see them as having a multi-functional purpose for the benefit of communities. When Longford barracks closed back in 2008, I made a commitment to the people of Longford that I would do everything in my power to ensure that an alternative use was found for the building. The town council and the county council asked the Midland Regional Authority to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study and an action group was set up.

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