Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by the Government to the Defence Forces. On 15 November 2011 the Government approved a proposal from me to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Forces personnel in fewer locations with the closure of four barracks - the barracks in Clonmel, Mullingar, Cavan and Castlebar. The consolidation of Defence Forces formations in a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports in recent years. This was a key consideration of the Government in addressing the issue, as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained, notwithstanding the fall in strength.

The latest phase of consolidation will bring to 14 the number of military barracks closed since 1998. A number of other smaller properties have also been identified as surplus to military requirements. Some of these have been disposed of, while others are in the process of being prepared for disposal. They mainly consist of married quarters and Reserve Defence Force premises. I can confirm that no further barrack closures are envisaged at this time.

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