Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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34. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans and priorities for the future of Columb Barracks in Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6893/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following the closure of Columb Barracks, Government Departments and other Public Bodies were invited to identify any interest in the property. No such interest was expressed. Consequently a portion of the former barracks has been licensed by my Department to Westmeath GAA Board for use as a training centre. Discussions are at an advanced stage with the Board in relation to the possible lease of a more substantial part of the facility and these discussions are ongoing.

The former barracks is also currently used by An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes and these arrangements will remain in place.

Recently a number of other organisations and individuals have also made enquiries/suggestions as to the possible use of the barracks. These include the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Courts Service.

All these possibilities are currently being looked at in the context of an overall plan for the barracks under a long term lease with Westmeath GAA Board. I expect that these arrangements will be finalised over the coming weeks.