Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Again, I appreciate the concerns that have been raised by the Deputy. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, has given a commitment to meet with the LDA and interested parties to try to progress this. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not just a simple matter. These are heritage structures and require a conservation plan and a conservational approach to the restoration. It is not simply a matter of getting kitted or fitted out in some kind of temporary approach. It is important to take the right conservational approach to them. Second, the complexities I have outlined, namely, the families under temporary protection and applicants for international protection, are of huge importance. The Government is committed to working with the local authority to ensure this really important strategic site is developed for the benefit of the town of Mullingar and the wider community.

See this speech in context