Dáil debates

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Other Questions

Defence Forces Properties

4:55 pm

Photo of Jonathan O'BrienJonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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11. To ask the Minister for Defence the security measures in place and their cost at closed army bases. [35930/13]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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At present the Department of Defence has security arrangements in place at two former military installations, namely, Columb Barracks in Mullingar and Rockhill House in Letterkenny. The amount paid in security costs at these installations varies from month to month, depending on security requirements. The average cost per month of Columb Barracks since its closure in 2012 is €5,187 and the average cost per month of Rockhill House, Donegal since its closure in 2009 is €5,353. The effectiveness of the security measures in place are continuously monitored and I am satisfied the arrangements are warranted.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank Minister of State for his response. I understood Rockhill House in Letterkenny was to be taken over by Donegal County Council or sold to it, which would be very welcome because it is very historical with considerable potential. I would like to know what the opportunities are. If the Minister of State does not have the answer now, perhaps he will come back to me with the information.

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I am very much aware, because I checked yesterday, that the sale of Rockhill House to Donegal County Council by the Department of Defence is at an advanced stage. I will not say it will be completed in the very near future but it is at a very advanced stage. I understand Donegal County Council has plans to develop it into a visitor attraction. The project has been ongoing for quite some time. I believe it is situated just outside Letterkenny.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Yes.

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I am very much aware it is at a very advanced stage but I am not sure when it will conclude. As the Deputy understands, like all sales involving Departments, it will take time to be concluded.