Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue, which we have discussed a number of times, and I understand why he might have an interest in it.

In July 1998, the Government approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six Army barracks considered surplus to military requirements. Magee Barracks was one of the barracks identified for closure. On 1 July 2003, the Government decided the former Magee Barracks in Kildare town would be among the State lands released to Kildare County Council for inclusion in the sustaining progress affordable housing initiative. On foot of this Government decision, the council prepared a local area plan for the site which encompassed a range of uses including community use. Following discussions between the Department, the council and the then Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and in accordance with the terms of the housing initiative, it was agreed that the entire site would be transferred to the council. A final contract for transfer was issued to Kildare County Council in January 2009. Subsequently, however, the council advised the Department that it no longer wished to take possession of the property.

Officials from my Department recently met the chief executive officer and an official from Kildare County Council. The discussions centred on a number of issues including the Department’s future plans for Magee Barracks. It is proposed to dispose of the remaining 50 acres of the barracks by public auction later this year. An auctioneer has been appointed to manage the disposal on behalf of the Department and the Chief State Solicitor's office is currently finalising the contracts for sale.

The local development plan for Kildare town, 2012 to 2018, has made provision for substantial community developments on the barracks site. Consequently, any buyer will be obliged to comply with these provisions, thereby ensuring the local community will benefit directly from the sale.

I said previously when we discussed this issue that we would engage with Kildare County Council and we have.

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