Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Defence his estimation of the serious health and safety hazards at a club (details supplied) in County Cork; if an assessment procedure will be expedited and necessary works carried out immediately to minimise the disruption to the club during the upcoming summer season. [14930/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Arising from concerns that continuing use of the pitch and putt facilities in question, which are held under licence from the Department of Defence, may present serious health and safety hazards for members and visitors, it was decided to suspend further use of the facilities with immediate effect, pending a complete safety assessment of the site. This decision was conveyed in writing to the club chairman on 30 March 2005. It is proposed to conduct a full safety assessment by the Department's properties officer and appropriate military personnel as soon as possible. In a further letter dated 13 April 2005, the club chairman was informed accordingly and in this regard a meeting between officials of the Department and representatives of the club will be arranged once the outcome of the assessment is to hand.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Defence the action he proposes to take in fulfilment of the undertaking to provide community gain arising from the disposal by the State of the lands at Magee Barracks, Kildare town, for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14948/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government decided on 1 July 2003 that Magee Barracks, Kildare, would be among the State lands released for inclusion in the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative. This initiative will be aimed at those who in the past would have expected to purchase a house from their own resources but find that they are unable to do so in the current market. The release of State lands under this initiative is a critical factor in ensuring delivery of affordable housing units.

With regard to Magee Barracks, the modalities of the transfer of the property to Kildare County Council are in process in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The future development of the site is a matter for that Department and Kildare County Council, which has prepared a draft local area plan for the site. In this regard, Kildare County Council was asked by my Department to take into consideration the commitment made by my predecessor to allocate some land at Magee Barracks to the local community when final decisions are being made regarding the development of the site.