Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

During the summer, I sent an official from the Department of Defence to a public meeting regarding Columb Barracks in Mullingar to listen to the concerns of the local community. I understood at that time that a feasibility study was to be carried out. I have not yet received such a study from the local community. I am waiting on it. The involvement of Westmeath County Council would be required in that context. If no feasibility study has been received by the first quarter of next year, I will proceed with the sale of the barracks in Athlone. I have to say in response to the concerns expressed by the Deputy that I do not believe the barracks in Athlone is an option. Westmeath County Council has to become very proactive here in order to solve what I believe is a real and live issue. The Deputy is right when he says he showed me photographs of the Civil Defence facilities in Westmeath. The wooden structure is not suitable because the roof has fallen in. I understand the seriousness of the situation.

I assure Deputy Burke that I am proactive in this regard. I want the strong and active membership of Westmeath Civil Defence to be accommodated. That is why I have made an appeal to the local authority. I have written to my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, who shares responsibility for this issue with the local authorities, to appeal to him to engage with the chief executive officer of Westmeath County Council and the senior officials in the council to ensure suitable accommodation is found for the members of Westmeath Civil Defence. The Deputy spoke about the equipment, etc., that is stored at the Westmeath Civil Defence facility. The Department of Defence has made a financial commitment to all Civil Defence units across the country so that they will have the best equipment. It is time for Westmeath County Council and other relevant parties to find a suitable location where Westmeath Civil Defence can be accommodated. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to follow up on this issue.

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