Written answers

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Department of Justice, Equality and Defence

Army Barracks

5:00 pm

Photo of Nicky McFaddenNicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has fully considered the historical significance and iconic importance of Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath during any discussions he has had with high ranking or other military officers regarding the possible barrack closure; if he is prepared to consult with all agencies with an interest in the retention of the barracks had it its existing military presence and profile at Athlone; if his attention has been drawn to the strong local support from from the political social economical historical interests for the retention of the Barracks in its present form; if he will meet representatives of such interest groups to discuss these issues of concern; if in the meantime, he will postpone any decision to close the barracks or decline to take any action which might culminate in its closure pending discussions with local interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30100/12]

Photo of Nicky McFaddenNicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has considered altering the guidelines given to senior military personnel in their examination of the role and function of the various military barracks throughout the country and in particular keeping in mind strategic regional and traditional issues and values which might significantly improve the prospects for the retention of existing or increased military presence at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; if he will also in the course of consideration of impositions imposed arising from the economic crisis fully taken into account the social and economic benefit of Custume Barracks in its present form to the area; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that significant budgetary cuts of equal magnitude can be achieved without the closure of the barracks which would result in an unnecessary and disproportionate punishment of Athlone and its hinterland simply to accommodate the fallout from the economic negligence of the previous administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30102/12]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.

As the Deputy is aware, arising from the Government's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure, the strength ceiling of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) was reduced to 9,500 personnel. In response to this reduced strength ceiling, I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, both permanent and reserve. As a three Brigade structure is no longer viable at this strength level, the re-organisation will encompass a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from the current three to two.

There has been a concerted campaign of misinformation about the possible impacts of this reorganisation on Custume Barracks, Athlone. In particular this campaign has claimed that a withdrawal of the Brigade headquarters would result in a reduction in the strength level in Custume Barracks by 600 personnel. In order to clarify the position and refute this misinformation, I recently announced where the headquarters of the two new Brigades would be located, which is Cork and Dublin and what this means for Custume Barracks.

I can confirm again that within an overall strength of 9,500, the numbers serving in Custume Barracks will be of the order of 1,000 personnel. There are presently 1,050 personnel in Custume Barracks. Accordingly, the re-organisation will have no dramatic impact on numbers in Custume Barracks. I can also confirm again that under the re-organisation Custume Barracks will not close and that it will continue to be an important operational military barracks. I trust that this clarifies the position and disproves the campaign of misinformation, which has caused undue concerns for the citizens of Athlone and its environs.

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