Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I feel guilty about keeping the Minister in the House given I have met him three or four times today in different guises. However, he will appreciate that this is an important issue. He may not be familiar with the fact that a significant parcel of land between the old and new golf courses in Lahinch, County Clare, is in the ownership of the Defence Forces. Due to the challenging economic environment in which we find ourselves, the Defence Forces have rightly had to rationalise and centralise. While this is regrettable, given the people of Lahinch have had a long association with the organisation over the years, I could not justify maintaining their presence there because, as a country, we cannot afford it. While it is difficult for me to say that, given this is my own parish, leadership is required from public representatives at this time and I am happy to play my part in that.

Sluagh Hall is part of the Defence Forces complex in Lahinch. It is annexed off the main building and there are even walls built around it. The hall could easily be divided from the main lands. The purpose of the raising this matter is the community uses the hall regularly for musicals and as changing rooms for sports, and it is also regularly used by the golf club. The community feels an association with the hall, which was built in 1932. I would like the entire site to be sold to the golf club but it is not for me to decide that. That would be desirable from a tourism and community perspective for the parish of Lahinch and Ennistymon. I am keen that Sluagh Hall, which comprises a small area of the overall site, be made available to the community if a community group expresses an interest in doing a deal with the Defence Forces to retain it for the use of the community. I encourage the Minister to facilitate this. If the building was derelict and not in use, I would not have a case. However, it is used extensively and a successful musical ran in the hall over the past two weeks. There was a full house almost every night. That indicates the connection between the building and the community. I look forward to the Minister's reply.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised that Lahinch military camp comprises a military barracks and Sluagh Hall on 5.19 acres. The camp was used up until 2012 by the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, and the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, for training purposes. The RDF is currently undergoing a major reorganisation. This is consistent with the recommendations of the recently published value for money review. The new "single force" concept comprises PDF units with Reserve components, rather than a parallel Reserve force. Reserve units within barracks are supported by their parent PDF unit and have access to the training facilities within the barracks. The 16 units outside of PDF installations have access to training facilities identified by the military as being most suitable from the pool of RDF training establishments already in place.

Lahinch RDF post is one of the properties identified for closure under the reorganisation programme for the Reserve. All RDF properties identified for closure under the programme, including Sluagh Hall, Lahinch, will close by the end of March 2013. At that stage my Department will invite Departments and other public bodies to identify any interest in the properties in question, including Lahinch. If no interest is expressed by another Department or State agency the property will be disposed of by public tender or auction. I am happy to discuss with any interested group proposals they may have for the purchase and development of the site for the benefit of the local community. However, my Department does not have the resources to maintain surplus vacant properties, such as Lahinch camp, in the longer term. As the property no longer serves a role in the defence organisation, it will be disposed of.

We have in the context of vacant Defence Forces properties been prepared to make them available to local communities for community purposes but this is normally done in circumstances where it is feasible, the property is sold to a local community organisation or group or a rental arrangement is entered into and the group takes full responsibility for the maintenance, upkeep and outgoings of the premises. If the Senator knows of a community organisation or a group of organisations that want to come together and make a proposal to my Department, we will consider it. I take on board his comment that he would like the site to be sold to the local golf club. Subject to my assuming that there may not be an interest from a public body in the site, which I cannot guarantee at the moment, the Department of Defence would be open to do business with the local golf club if it has an interest in the site. It may be well be that a joint proposal may be made by the golf club and community groups, which would provide for a use for Sluagh Hall. I have an open mind on the issue. At any stage, if a local community group or the golf club is interested, I will be happy to arrange an initial meeting with officials in my Department to explore any proposal that might be made.

Martin Conway (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That was a detailed, comprehensive and positive reply. I suspect there will be contact. Sluagh Hall could easily be divided from the rest of the site because of the way it is designed. I am sure there will be discussions, which will lead to a result in the public interest and to the benefit of the common good.