Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The figure of €100,000 is the total amount for the rental of 40 different premises for the Reserve Defence Force across the country. Existing leases are in place before the additional ones that are being put in place. Agreement has been reached with Mayo County Council for the sale of Castlebar Barracks for the sum of €600,000, with payment to be made in four equal instalments of €150,000 each year, commencing in 2012. Mayo County Council has agreed to lease back a portion of the barracks for use by the local Reserve Defence Force at a nominal sum of €1 per year. The cost is, therefore, €100,001. When the leases for the other three are signed I will make the rental cost known to the Deputy.

I understand Mayo County Council has earmarked Castlebar Barracks for a particular use. The deal done is based on the facility being provided to the Defence Forces Reserve. This is very welcome as it means the reserve can continue in a familiar location.

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