Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply and welcome the fact that this suggestion will be considered. The education and training board only uses part of that site. I cannot emphasise enough that it was the most modern barracks in Europe, officially opened in 1990. I represented Cavan-Monaghan during the bad days when this island was in the era of the Troubles. We can never overestimate the important work that was carried out in our Army barracks and by Army personnel in dealing with difficult situations. Unfortunately, paramilitarism has not gone away entirely. We have a long land Border. A person would need no military experience to see clearly on a map that there is a lacuna with regard to military installations along the Border on this island. There is Finner Camp in the north west and Aiken Barracks in the north east but nothing in the central Border region.

I know, from interacting with Army personnel in Dún Uí Néill over the years, the importance of their work and the knowledge they accrued. It was important when we faced animal diseases and there was a virtual closedown of movement across the Border. There is a ready-made military facility there. It could be put back into use in a short period of time.

In response to questions from my colleague, Deputy Troy, the Tánaiste spoke about the structure of the Defence Forces. He also said that by 2028, we need 11,500 enlisted personnel. They will need accommodation.

See this speech in context