Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in the context of correspondence (details supplied), he will confirm that a visit to the said facility by an organisation has taken place; if progress has been made in securing this establishment for this excellent facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5572/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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When the Government took the decision to close a number of Military Barracks, I asked my Department to enter into discussions with other Government Departments, Local Authorities, State Agencies and community groups regarding the possible purchase of the properties to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures. In this regard officials from my Department will shortly meet with officials from Westmeath County Council regarding Columb Barracks, Mullingar. My Department has also been in contact with a third level institution from abroad who has expressed a potential interest in establishing a college in Ireland. I can assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to dispose of the barracks so as to maximise the benefits to the local community.