Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would welcome the opportunity to welcome the Tánaiste to Kilkenny to visit James Stephen's Barracks. He will undoubtedly be impressed with the facilities and infrastructure there. I implore him to continue with the existing roll-out of the capital programme and in addition, if addendums are necessary, ask him to consider the refurbishment of the old church and convent into a medical aid centre. It would be of huge benefit to the barracks. It is not in the capital plan at the moment but if we could look at it and if there was scope for it, it would be a huge addition and of huge benefit to the employees of the barracks.

It is absolutely imperative that Stephen's Barracks remain open and that the troops remain based in Kilkenny. It provides a fantastic service. It is the only barracks in the south east. People come from all over and it is a tremendous addition to the city. Will the Tánaiste give assurances that we will continue to invest and secure the future of the barracks and the associated staff?

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