Dáil debates

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

1:00 pm

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 5: To ask the Minister for Defence the army barracks he intends to close over the next three years; and the number of buildings currently in the ownership of the Defence Forces that he intends to sell over the next three years. [7202/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by the Government to the Defence Forces. On 15 November 2011 the Government approved a proposal from me to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Forces personnel in fewer locations with the closure of four barracks - the barracks in Clonmel, Mullingar, Cavan and Castlebar. The consolidation of Defence Forces formations in a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the ongoing defence modernisation programme and has been recommended in many reports in recent years. This was a key consideration of the Government in addressing the issue, as releasing personnel from security and support functions enables the operational capacity of the Defence Forces to be maintained, notwithstanding the fall in strength.

The latest phase of consolidation will bring to 14 the number of military barracks closed since 1998. A number of other smaller properties have also been identified as surplus to military requirements. Some of these have been disposed of, while others are in the process of being prepared for disposal. They mainly consist of married quarters and Reserve Defence Force premises. I can confirm that no further barrack closures are envisaged at this time.

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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I was surprised to be told by my colleague from Cavan this morning that there was an advertisement in the newspapers there seeking a premises to lease by the Department of Defence for Reserve Defence Force training, even though we are closing a barracks in Cavan town. Why was a decision taken to close a barracks when the Department was seeking to lease a property in the same town for Defence Forces personnel?

With regard to the current property portfolio, the properties will not be sold in the current climate, as we would not get value for money if we did sell them. Are there proposals to allow local authorities to use these properties for community purposes?

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I will reply to the last question first. My Department has been actively engaged in seeking alternative uses for the barracks involved. There has been real interest in possible uses, but I do not wish to go into this in great detail now. Engagements and discussions are taking place in the case of each barracks. There is real potential for the properties to be utilised in a manner that is in the public interest and the interests of local communities. However, some of the discussions are at a very early stage.

Cavan Barracks is one of the barracks in which there is substantial interest. We are anxious to ensure we will still have an appropriate location for the Defence Forces Reserve and that issue is being dealt with. We do not need to maintain a barracks that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet the needs of the Defence Forces Reserve. The Deputy is correct that an advertisement has been placed to see what appropriate premises might be availed of for the purposes of ensuring those members of the Defence Forces Reserve who are based in Cavan, have given good service to the State during the years and wish to continue their involvement with the Defence Forces can continue to do so without having to travel long distances. I am optimistic as to developments with regard to the vacated barracks, despite the current difficult property and financial climate. I expect it will be some time before I can make any announcements in this regard but I hope that, during the course of the year, I will be in a position to do so.

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Does the Department have proposals to seek properties to rent in the other three locations where barracks are being closed?

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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These issues are still being addressed. I do not think it will be necessary to do so. In Mullingar, for example, I do not see that as an issue because of the proximity of Athlone. I will come back to the Deputy in that regard. The only advertisement I am aware of having been placed so far relates to Cavan.