Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Defence the strategic planning his Department has engaged in since the closure of Columb Barracks in Mullingar in County Westmeath; if he will ensure that its maximum potential is achieved; the other Government agencies or Departments, if local or national, that have been liaised with in regard to this; the amount or the proportion of Columb Barracks that is in use; the terms and conditions in place for such use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41210/15]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Four years ago this month, the Minister and his Cabinet colleagues made the most regrettable decision to close Columb Barracks in Mullngar. What level of consultation has the Minister had with local and national organisations in that four-year period? Has he put in place a strategic plan to ensure full utilisation of what is a magnificent facility in Mullingar town?

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following the closure of Columb Barracks, my Department wrote to other Departments and public bodies inviting them to express an interest in the property, with a view to its disposal by the Department. No such interest was expressed at the time. My officials also met local representatives and officials from Westmeath County Council to discuss the future of the barracks.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department was approached by the Westmeath GAA County Board for the use of the barracks as a training centre. Parts of the barracks in Mullingar are currently used by the county board on a short-term lease and discussions are taking place to negotiate a long-term lease with the board. The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and it is intended that these arrangements will remain in place. A number of other local groups, including the Irish United Nations Veterans Association, the Order of Malta and the Midlands Regional Youth Services have also been allocated units in the barracks. Leases with these and other local community groups are being progressed by the property management branch of my Department.

The Department of Justice and Equality, which is the lead Department for the refugee accommodation programme, is also working with my Department to establish whether any of the buildings falling within the remit of my Department are suitable for the purposes of temporary accommodation. As yet, no decision had been made on that matter. My Department has also received numerous requests from other community groups wishing to avail of accommodation within the barracks.

As the Deputy will appreciate, proposals involving the long-term retention of Mullingar Barracks by my Department, which includes administering multiple leases and fulfilling the many responsibilities of a landlord, will place a significant administrative and financial burden on my Department. Accordingly, I would be pleased to discuss with any interested group, including the local authority, proposals they may have for the possible purchase and future development of the site for the benefit of the local community.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister has effectively conceded that, four years after the closure of Columb Barracks, he does not have a plan for the site. The current approach is unco-ordinated and disjointed and reflects a wait and see attitude. The Minister is correct that the barracks are being used by a number of community groups. Many of these groups do not know what the future holds for them. The GAA has sought a longer term lease for some time but the matter remains unresolved.

What is most amazing is that the Department has written to various State agencies asking if they have any interest in the barracks while, at the same time, paying €30,000 per annum for a private facility for the Reserve Defence Force. Would it not be feasible to use this €30,000 for the purposes of maintaining and managing the facility to ensure it is fully utilised?

My party made a proposal in our review of the White Paper on Defence to make Columb Barracks a national facility for the Reserve Defence Force. The proposal was supported by my constituency colleague and Government backbencher, Deputy Penrose. Has the Minister considered our proposal?

Four years after the Minister's party, with the support of the Labour Party, decided to close Columb Barracks, Mullingar, the Government does not have a plan to ensure full utilisation of a magnificent facility in Mullingar town. At the time of the closure, the Government promised the barracks would be fully utilised within a short time. This is another broken promise by the Government.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It is ridiculous to suggest that the Government can force an outcome on this issue. The Department will work with the local authority, community groups, clubs and other Departments to find a process that can deliver full utilisation of Columb Barracks in a manner that is in the interests of Mullingar town. This is precisely what we are trying to do. However, one cannot force such an outcome as other bodies must want to be part of the process.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The Reserve Defence Force could use it.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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With respect, the whole point of the one force policy is that the Reserve Defence Force will train in barracks with the Permanent Defence Force.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The Department is paying €30,000 in annual rent for a premises in Mullingar for the Reserve Defence Force.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Please allow the Minister to continue without interruption.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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We are moving to ensure that the Reserve and Permanent Defence Forces can operate and train together in a seamless way. The Department has considered the suggestion made by Deputy Penrose regarding the use of the barracks and does not believe it is consistent with the future needs of the Reserve Defence Force.