Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 241: To ask the Minister for Defence if the closure of both barracks in north Donegal will put some strain on the families of soldiers stationed at Rockhill and Lifford in terms of extended commuting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40212/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the White Paper on Defence. The dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training. It also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security. The consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while also freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties.

The funding previously realised from the disposal of surplus barracks and properties has, together with pay savings, provided some of the resources required for infrastructure, training-area development and equipment procurement. In this regard, the White Paper states: "the thrust of the Government decisions in the White Paper is based on their recognition of the necessity to enhance the equipment and infrastructure available to the Defence Forces".

The withdrawal of the British Army deployments coupled with reduced paramilitary activity following the Good Friday Agreement has removed the rationale for having seven barracks/posts along the border. These will now be consolidated into three posts. Lifford and Rockhill Barracks is two of four military posts along the border being consolidated. These closures will progress the achievement of the vision of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper.

This was not an easy decision and obviously the desire is to limit as far as possible the adverse impact that this relocation will have on personnel. I appreciate that the consolidation proposals may result in a level of hardship on some personnel and I have asked my staff and the military authorities to take due consideration of personal circumstances. That said, the current proposals are in the best interests of the Defence Forces and that must be my priority.

The current plan has been put together in close consultation and cooperation with the Defence Forces General Staff. It provides an overall package that will serve the needs of the Defence Forces into the future.