Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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458. To ask the Minister for Defence if he will indicate with respect of Columb Barracks, Mullingar, County Westmeath, if any party has expressed an interest in acquiring or leasing same on a long term basis; if he will confirm if he has received an application for the leasing of same for a long term basis from Westmeath County GAA Board, who wish to put in place a centre of excellence or if same will be disposed of to Westmeath County Board which plays a pivotal role in providing leisure activities for a huge population of people across the county which deserves a community dividend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20389/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that officials from Westmeath County GAA Board recently visited Columb Barracks Mullingar for the purpose of viewing the available facilities. During the course of the visit some initial discussions took place between officials from my Department and the County Board members on various matters including the possibility of leasing the Barracks, however discussions are at a very early stage. It is expected that there will be further engagement with the County Board officials in the coming weeks.