Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 13 together.

Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, four military barracks - Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar – closed on 30 March 2012. As a result of the closure of the four barracks, there is a need to provide alternative accommodation for the local Reserve Defence Force units. In this regard, my Department placed advertisements in the relevant local newspapers seeking tenders for the provision of suitable accommodation. Following receipt of the tenders my Department and the military authorities undertook an examination of the proposals received. This process included, among other things, an assessment of the accommodation offered, particularly in terms of suitability to meet the needs of the local Reserve Defence Force units and compliance with health and safety requirements. In addition, discussions with the owners of the properties on terms and conditions and what alterations might be required were also undertaken. As a result, I am pleased that suitable alternative accommodation has been identified in Clonmel, Cavan and Mullingar. I expect the necessary administrative arrangements will be finalised shortly and formal lease agreements will then be entered into. The local reserve units can then take possession of their new training accommodation.

With regard to Castlebar, the position is that agreement has been reached between my Department and Mayo County Council for the sale of Mitchell Barracks, Castlebar, to the council. As part of the sale agreement, Mayo County Council will, for a nominal sum, lease a portion of the barracks to my Department for use by the local reserve unit. This will obviate the need to lease a property locally, thus reducing the overall costs of providing such accommodation.

The leasing of alternative accommodation is a normal arrangement for reserve units in other locations. The Department of Defence has ten permanent rentals and 30 part-time rentals in place, including part-time use of parish and community halls as well as some commercial premises. The total annual cost is less than €100,000 for all 40 premises. Based on these figures, the renting locally of alternative accommodation for the Reserve Defence Force units is the most appropriate course of action and there is no economic argument for keeping a full barracks open to cater for a reserve unit that may only train for a few hours once or twice a week when alternative rented accommodation can be provided for a small fraction of the cost.

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