James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 774: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will give an assurance that the future of the three midland Army barracks in Longford, Athlone and Mullingar is guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27345/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I would refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to Parliamentary Question 191 on July 7th 2008 concerning Columb Barracks, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The same situation applies to the other military barracks the Deputy mentions.

The Defence property portfolio is kept under ongoing review by military authorities and the staff in my Department to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. This includes ongoing review of the organisation, structure and formation of the forces and the consequential requirement for military barracks and other properties. Any properties which are deemed to be surplus to military requirements will be disposed of and the funding invested to meet the current and future equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.