Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

Is it not true that the closure of Kickham Barracks will not save the Exchequer money in either the short or long term? It is a very bad decision for the Exchequer, the Defence Forces, the families affected by it and Clonmel town. Is it not a fact that no feasibility study was carried out? The reason is that it would show, beyond doubt, that there were no savings to be made either in the short or long term. The Government is, therefore, taking advantage of the recession to close Kickham Barracks in Clonmel. A proper feasibility study was not carried out for these reasons. I ask the Minister to reconsider the matter.

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