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

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

As the Deputy will be 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 used by the county board on a short-term lease. The former barracks is also used by An Garda Síochána and Customs and Excise for training purposes. A number of other local groups, including the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, IUNVA, the Order of Malta and the Midland Youth Services, have also been allocated units in the barracks. My Department has also received numerous requests from other community groups wishing to avail of accommodation within the barracks.

While the Department supports the ongoing use of the barracks by the local community, the financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the barracks cannot be sustained, given that the barracks is no longer required for military purposes.

Officials from the Department are scheduled to meet the CEO of Westmeath County Council this week to discuss the long-term future plans for the barracks. They would also be happy to discuss, with any interested groups, any proposals they may have for the possible purchase and future development of the site for the benefit of the local community. This is in keeping with the Department’s policy to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes. We have spoken to all the stakeholders and, with them, we are trying to develop a plan which is in the interests of the local community and other interested groups in the area.

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