A number of works were carried out at Castlebar in 2002. These included the reroofing of the dining hall at a cost of €37,000 and the upgrading of the dining hall and other areas at a cost of €73,000. These upgrading works include the installation of fire alarms, ceiling repairs, electrical rewiring, heating, fire doors, shower, washrooms and some tarmacadam. In addition, local service contracts to service routine maintenance works were completed at a cost of €84,000, which covered windows, door, gutters and painting and decorating. The Minister for Defence has previously stated that it is not his intention to close any Reserve Defence Force location. He is conscious of the need to preserve and retain the many traditional and well established strengths of the current reserve system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards a nationwide geographical spread.