Written answers

Thursday, 17 November 2011

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Army Barracks

3:00 pm

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm without further delay that there will be no change to the status of Dún Uí Neill Barracks, Cavan, due to its importance as a key military installation centrally situated in the mid-Border area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/11]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the importance and necessity of retaining Dún Uí Neill Barracks, Cavan, as a key military installation, as outlined in Private Members' debates in Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann and as outlined in detail by the representative group comprising the deputation he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/11]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.

As the House is aware, on Tuesday, 15 November the Government approved a proposal from me to proceed with a further phase of consolidation of Defence Force personnel into fewer locations with the closure of four barracks. The barracks being closed are Kickham Barracks Clonmel, Columb Barracks Mullingar, O'Neill Barracks Cavan and Castlebar Barracks. It is proposed to have the personnel transferred and the barracks closed down no later than Friday, 30 March 2012.

The purpose of the Government's decision is to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces by removing the burden imposed by manning and maintaining unnecessary installations.

The consolidation of the Defence Forces Formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective of the ongoing Defence modernisation programme in order to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces and has been recommended in many reports over the past number of years.

As in the case of previous barrack consolidation programmes the proceeds from the sale of the barracks will be used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure. Since 1998 a total of ten barracks have been closed under two barrack consolidation programmes. To-date a total €85 million has been realised from the disposal of six of these barracks and part of another.

In recent weeks I have met with individual members of the Oireachtas and a delegation from the Cavan area. I have reflected carefully and at length on the sincere and genuine concerns raised by the delegation who put forward very strongly held views as to why the barracks should be retained. I wish to acknowledge the sincerity and courtesy with which these views were conveyed. However, I am obliged to take a broader view and must consider the overall needs and organisation of the Defence Forces not just for today but in the years ahead. It is in that context that the consolidation of the Defence Forces into a smaller number of locations is being addressed. I am especially concerned to protect the strength of the Defence Forces being also mindful of the difficult economic situation facing the country.

Arising from the Government decision I have asked my Department to enter into discussions with other Government Departments, Local Authorities and State Agencies regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures.

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