Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will permit the usage of the Rockhill and Lifford Army barracks, County Donegal, by community, youth and voluntary organisations; his views on whether such utilisation will help to justify the €28,211 that his Department has spent on maintenance and security costs at the barracks since their closure in February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35247/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I would point out to the Deputy that the barracks he refers to are in no way derelict but are in a state of good order and repair, which I intend to maintain pending their disposal so as to maximise the value of the proceeds for reinvestment in the Defence Forces.

The Government decision of 14 October 2008 approved a programme for consolidation of Defence Forces formations that included the closure of Rockhill and Lifford Army Posts. The Defence Forces moved out of these properties at the end of January 2009. The properties in question are vacant and my Department is ensuring that they are secured and maintained in reasonably good order so that they do not fall into disrepair, are subject to vandalism or become eyesores.

An organisation has been given permission to use the football pitch at Rockhill. In relation to other groups using the buildings, any request will be considered and a decision will be made taking into account the proposed use of the premises, the stage that my Department is at in relation to disposal and the length of time any group wishes to use it.