Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm whether alternative accommodation for the 54th FAR, Reserve Defence Force, at Columb barracks, County Westmeath, has been sourced and secured, as the regiment is leaving the barracks on 16 March 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14530/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Following the Government's decision to further consolidate Defence Forces personnel into fewer locations, Columb Barracks will close on 30 March 2012.

The Reserve Defence Force in Mullingar 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.

In this regard the Department recently placed advertisements in local newspapers seeking expressions of interest for the provision of suitable accommodation in the Mullingar area to facilitate the local Reserve Unit. These expressions of interest are being examined at the present time and a final decision on accommodation will be made shortly.