Dáil debates

Thursday, 17 May 2012

5:00 pm

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 6: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will provide details of the relocation of Reserve Defence Force training grounds across the country following the closure of army barracks in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24566/12]

Photo of Mary Lou McDonaldMary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 13: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost of providing rented accommodation for Reserve Defence Forces subsequent to the closing of their barracks. [24528/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 13 together.

Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, four military barracks - Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar – closed on 30 March 2012. As a result of the closure of the four barracks, there is a need to provide alternative accommodation for the local Reserve Defence Force units. In this regard, my Department placed advertisements in the relevant local newspapers seeking tenders for the provision of suitable accommodation. Following receipt of the tenders my Department and the military authorities undertook an examination of the proposals received. This process included, among other things, an assessment of the accommodation offered, particularly in terms of suitability to meet the needs of the local Reserve Defence Force units and compliance with health and safety requirements. In addition, discussions with the owners of the properties on terms and conditions and what alterations might be required were also undertaken. As a result, I am pleased that suitable alternative accommodation has been identified in Clonmel, Cavan and Mullingar. I expect the necessary administrative arrangements will be finalised shortly and formal lease agreements will then be entered into. The local reserve units can then take possession of their new training accommodation.

With regard to Castlebar, the position is that agreement has been reached between my Department and Mayo County Council for the sale of Mitchell Barracks, Castlebar, to the council. As part of the sale agreement, Mayo County Council will, for a nominal sum, lease a portion of the barracks to my Department for use by the local reserve unit. This will obviate the need to lease a property locally, thus reducing the overall costs of providing such accommodation.

The leasing of alternative accommodation is a normal arrangement for reserve units in other locations. The Department of Defence has ten permanent rentals and 30 part-time rentals in place, including part-time use of parish and community halls as well as some commercial premises. The total annual cost is less than €100,000 for all 40 premises. Based on these figures, the renting locally of alternative accommodation for the Reserve Defence Force units is the most appropriate course of action and there is no economic argument for keeping a full barracks open to cater for a reserve unit that may only train for a few hours once or twice a week when alternative rented accommodation can be provided for a small fraction of the cost.

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I welcome the fact that some finality has been brought to this issue. During interaction at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly meeting this week, the Taoiseach agreed that the threat from militant republicanism is especially high at present. I do not want to reopen the discussion on the closure of Cavan Barracks. Will the Minister confirm the Reserve Defence Force units affected by the closure of Army barracks have been involved in the decision-making process on relocation? Has the Minister a timescale for when the training grounds will open? Is he hopeful they will be open by the middle of the summer? Finally, will there be relocation costs in moving to the new grounds?

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I mentioned to the Deputy, the leases will be signed shortly. I hope and expect that matters relating to all three will be in order by midsummer.

I am not aware of any additional allowances that would arise by way of relocation costs. If there is further information on that I will come back to the Deputy. The locations of the rental premises are within a reasonable distance of the original barracks, where people trained. If there is additional information I will come back to the Deputy with it.

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can the Minister repeat the figures he cited a moment ago? I think he said there is an agreement to sell the premises to the local authority and lease back a portion of it for a nominal fee. Did he mention a sum of €100,000? What does that figure refer to?

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The figure of €100,000 is the total amount for the rental of 40 different premises for the Reserve Defence Force across the country. Existing leases are in place before the additional ones that are being put in place. Agreement has been reached with Mayo County Council for the sale of Castlebar Barracks for the sum of €600,000, with payment to be made in four equal instalments of €150,000 each year, commencing in 2012. Mayo County Council has agreed to lease back a portion of the barracks for use by the local Reserve Defence Force at a nominal sum of €1 per year. The cost is, therefore, €100,001. When the leases for the other three are signed I will make the rental cost known to the Deputy.

I understand Mayo County Council has earmarked Castlebar Barracks for a particular use. The deal done is based on the facility being provided to the Defence Forces Reserve. This is very welcome as it means the reserve can continue in a familiar location.

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I particularly welcome the development in Castlebar. Mayo County Council has an outstanding track record of using facilities such as this. Barracks throughout the country have been left and are going to waste. I am confident that by this time next year Mayo County Council will have shown many places how to do things. I welcome this development.

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I very much welcome the development in Castlebar. Officials of my Department have been actively engaged with a broad range of interests regarding the future use of barracks. Ongoing discussions are taking place with regard to the other barracks that have been closed. I do not want to give rise to false hopes by setting timeframes within which progress may be made, but I have some hope and optimism for helpful developments during the course of this year with regard to barracks that have been closed.