Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A number of serious issues of concern were raised with me this week by family members of soldiers working in Gormanston Army Camp in County Meath. I live very close to the camp and know many of the people who work there. Various family members are regularly in touch with me about the camp. It has been put to me that the Army bomb disposal team, which is based there for convenience and because of the facilities available there, as the camp is close to the airport and is also in a suitable location in terms of the Border region, will be removed on 28 February. I am not making a statement. The issue was raised with me this week and I am grateful to the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to use the Seanad to put the question. The question is whether the bomb disposal unit is moving from Gormanston on 28 February.

It has also been put to me that there are serious moves afoot to move the B Company 27th Battalion, which is the heart and soul of Gormanston, to Dundalk in the near future. No date has been given in that regard. If both of those moves were to be made there would be practically nothing left at Gormanston Camp. They are my questions. I hope the Minister will give me an answer that will allay the concerns I have raised.