Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will produce a comprehensive cost benefit analysis regarding the closure of army barracks, including the costs of leasing extra accommodation as recently advertised in the provincial press. [9055/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, four military barracks - Clonmel, Cavan, Mullingar and Castlebar - will close on 30 March 2012. Military personnel at present occupied on security and support functions within these installations will be released for operational duties leading to a manpower efficiency gain of around €5 million p.a. In addition, there will be direct cash savings of approximately €1.3m arising from utilities, maintenance and security duties allowances in the four barracks. The Reserve Defence Force in each barracks will be provided with alternative rented accommodation prior to the closure of the barracks. This is a normal arrangement for Reserve Units in other locations around the country and consistent with how the previous Government dealt with the matter. For use by the RDF, the Department has 10 permanent rentals and 30 part time rentals in place including part time use of parish and community halls as well as some commercial premises. The total annual cost is less than €100,000 for all forty premises.

On this basis there is no economic argument for keeping a full barracks open to cater for a Reserve Unit that may only train for a few hours once or twice a week when alternative rented accommodation can be provided for a small fraction of the cost.

Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Defence if the military museum in Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, will be retained; if he has reviewed correspondence from the Mullingar Area Committee on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9111/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The museum collection in Columb Barracks is primarily associated with the history of the 4th Field Artillery Regiment. It is presently intended to make provision to house the museum in a suitable location in Custume Bks, Athlone, which will be the new location for the 4th Field Artillery Regiment. This arrangement is in keeping with the normal military practice and tradition. The majority of the museum artefacts belong to the Defence Forces with the remaining being owned by private individuals. Some of these individuals have requested the return of their artefacts and these requests have been complied with. Any remaining artefacts owned by private individuals will be moved and stored appropriately in the museum at Custume Barracks, Athlone. I can confirm that I have received an approach from local representatives on this matter and in this regard I have asked a senior official from my Department to meet with them in the near future.