Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

When the Government took the decision to close a number of military barracks, my colleague, the Minister for Defence asked his Department to enter into discussions with other Departments, local authorities, State agencies and community groups regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. In this regard, officials from the Department of Defence have met with officials from the various agencies and discussions are ongoing.

I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to dispose of the barracks so as to maximise the benefits to the local community.

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