Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 74 together.

Following the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department has explored a number of avenues to try to secure the long-term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. Departments and other public bodies, including Westmeath County Council, have been invited on numerous occasions to declare an interest in acquiring the property. Westmeath County Council recently confirmed that it does not have any interest in acquiring the property.

In 2016, officials from my Department met the chief executive officer and officials of Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board regarding possible use of Mullingar Barracks. The meeting included a visit to the barracks. To date, I have not received any proposal from the board regarding its future use of the barracks. There has also been no approach from the Department of Education and Skills regarding this matter.

Several months ago, officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. A local group was subsequently established to prepare a feasibility study on community use of the barracks. To date, however, the group has not furnished a report to my Department.

As the barracks is no longer required for military purposes, the current financial and administrative burden resulting from its retention cannot be sustained. The disposal of the property by public auction must now be progressed in keeping with the Government's policy and recent practice to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes. However, in the context of its potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to this end from public bodies.

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