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

Following the closure of Columb Barracks, my Department wrote to other Departments and public bodies inviting them to express an interest in the property, with a view to its disposal by the Department. No such interest was expressed at the time. My officials also met local representatives and officials from Westmeath County Council to discuss the future of the barracks.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department was approached by the Westmeath GAA County Board for the use of the barracks as a training centre. Parts of the barracks in Mullingar are currently used by the county board on a short-term lease and discussions are taking place to negotiate a long-term lease with the board. The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and it is intended that these arrangements will remain in place. A number of other local groups, including the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Order of Malta and the Midlands Regional Youth Services have also been allocated units in the barracks. Leases with these and other local community groups are being progressed by the property management branch of my Department.

The Department of Justice and Equality, which is the lead Department for the refugee accommodation programme, is also working with my Department to establish whether any of the buildings falling within the remit of my Department are suitable for the purposes of temporary accommodation. As yet, no decision had been made on that matter. My Department has also received numerous requests from other community groups wishing to avail of accommodation within the barracks.

As the Deputy will appreciate, proposals involving the long-term retention of Mullingar Barracks by my Department, which includes administering multiple leases and fulfilling the many responsibilities of a landlord, will place a significant administrative and financial burden on my Department. Accordingly, I would be pleased to discuss with any interested group, including the local authority, proposals they may have for the possible purchase and future development of the site for the benefit of the local community.

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