Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

118. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the various military installations decommissioned over the past number of years have been disposed of or continue to be used for alternative purposes; if rent is payable on foot of any such use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35060/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has been engaged on an ongoing programme of barrack consolidation since 1998. This programme has brought to fourteen the number of barracks closed during that time. To date ten of these barracks - Clancy (Dublin), Castleblaney, Ballincollig, Fermoy, Naas, Monaghan, Cavan, Castlebar, Clonmel and a large portion of Longford - have been sold. In relation to the remaining barracks, agreement has been reached for the sale of Lifford to Donegal County Council and the disposal of Rockhill House Letterkenny is in the process of being finalised following its recent sale by public auction.

The remaining part of Longford has been reserved for sale to the Office of Public Works for the local Garda Síochána.

Magee Barracks in Kildare and Columb Barracks in Mullingar remain the property of the Department of Defence. Approximately eight acres of Magee Barracks has been sold to the Department of Education to facilitate the construction of a new school and it is hoped to auction the remaining portion of the barracks in early to mid 2015.

Columb Barracks in Mullingar is currently used by an Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and a large part of the barracks has been licensed to Westmeath GAA Board for use as a potential centre of excellence. As part of the licence agreement, the Board pays a sum to my Department for use of the facility. Discussions are at advanced stage with the Board in relation to the possible lease of the whole facility.

In addition to the main barracks outlined above a number of other properties have also been identified as surplus to military requirements over recent years mainly consisting of married quarters, Reserve Defence Force (RDF) premises and training lands. A large number of these have already been disposed of whilst others are in the process of being prepared for disposal. A small number of these properties are being used under licence by various organisations including sporting clubs and in some cases by private individuals for grazing purposes until arrangements are finalised for their disposal. In all cases appropriate rents are being paid to my Department by the licensees.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

119. To ask the Minister for Defence the number of Army overholders in military accommodation after retirement from the service; the extent to which dialogue continues with the local authorities with a view to meeting their housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35061/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Presently, there are forty three overholders occupying military accommodation at various locations around the country. Of these, twenty three of the properties are occupied by former Defence Forces personnel. Eighteen of the overall number of properties being overheld are located outside barracks and these have been offered for sale to the present occupiers.

The bulk of the remainder which are not for sale are located on military lands within the Curragh Camp (24 properties) and Cathal Brugha Barracks (1).

The Department initiated discussions with Kildare County Council to determine whether there was a possibility of a joint initiative to provide solutions to the overholding issues in the Curragh. The Council indicated that, due to budgetary constraints their policy now is to lease suitable properties in order to provide accommodation for those who meet the criteria for social housing assistance. The Department have advised overholders where appropriate to apply for social housing and have supplied supporting documentation for the Council when requested.

In addition, the Department is currently involved in discussions involving other Departments and Agencies with a view to examining the role it may have in alleviating the current housing crisis.