Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is an important site with significant potential. It is unfortunate that its potential has not been realised more actively.

Since I have become Minister, my Department has done everything possible with regard to the various vacant sites by circulating State agencies and Departments and making it known that sites are available. The site in Kildare has been vacant for a long time. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's party was in government for the major portion of the time when this site was vacant and did not succeed in doing anything other than having it used for temporary purposes and effecting what I could describe as a degradation of the site because of the different purposes for which it was designated and, ultimately, arrangements that were envisaged to be implemented with Kildare County Council never came to pass. However, I would very much like to see something happen.

We have taken similar steps with Mullingar to the steps we took in Clonmel and in Cavan. Cavan barracks, when it was closed, was taken over by the local VEC, which is already functioning there.

Unfortunately, similar interest was not shown in Mullingar either. I would encourage the local community and the local authority to look at possible uses for what is an historical barracks on an important site. There are some limitations on how it can be used because some of the buildings are designated buildings but it should not be impossible with an active engagement to identify appropriate uses. It is not something the Department of Defence can do on its own. My Department does not have a role in developing these sites.

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