Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I know he has a sense of the historical, social, cultural and architectural importance of both buildings. I am pleased about this and that he recognises the buildings' significance.

I acknowledge that the Department of Defence was not involved in the decision to discontinue the use of the post office. The decision on the fire station was a military one also. Nevertheless, because the two iconic buildings are in the Curragh Camp, in respect of which the Department of Defence works closely with the military authorities, it is important that we have a plan in place. The response I have just been given about the plan to develop a series of master plans for each installation to future-proof for 20 to 30 years is very welcome. It would be helpful to get a timeline on that down the line. I appreciate that the Department's decisions will have priority in this area.

It is really good that the water tower and fire station are being considered for engineering space. There has been talk about the possibility of using the post office as a medical centre. I assume that, in the planning, there will be an opportunity to make proposals. I am pleased that the buildings will not be left to rot, because there is enough dereliction around the Curragh Camp. It is important that we do everything to preserve the two buildings and go further with others.