Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have been in consultation with Westmeath County Council on the vacant premises at Columb Barracks and asked officials to come up with a plan. As the Deputy noted, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government recently examined all vacant lands in the country for housing. My Department is dealing with that matter. I have asked the officials in the property management section to proceed with the sale of Columb Barracks. For safety reasons I do not like barracks to be left vacant.

With regard to Westmeath Civil Defence, my Department resources Civil Defence adequately and fully funds specialised equipment. I encourage senior officials in Westmeath County Council to take this matter seriously. I agree with Deputy Peter Burke that the permanent facilities for the volunteer members of Westmeath Civil Defence are not adequate and need to be replaced. My officials will work closely with the local authority in that regard.

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