Written answers

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Department of Defence

Army Barracks Closures

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans for the former Army barracks in Clonmel in County Tipperary; if costs have been incurred in maintaining and securing the site since its closure; if the Minella Hotel in Clonmel in County Tipperary has been used by the Defence Forces or his Department; if so, the reasons for same; the cost involved for each event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12959/15]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Agreement has been reached for the sale of the former army barracks in Clonmel to Tipperary County Council and it is expected that this sale will be fully complete in the coming weeks . Since its closure in March 2012 a total of €132,458 has been spent on security and maintenance.

The Defence Forces advise that they have utilised Hotel Minella for the conduct of Command and Staff Training, most recently on the 10 - 12 March this year. This course was for 28 students who spent two nights and three days, including all meals, in the Hotel with full use of the Hotel's function room facilities for the preparation and conduct of examinations and briefings.

The Defence Forces conduct operational tactical training as part of its Command and Staff Courses. Students undergoing these courses undertake General Terrain Examinations in order to test their understanding of the Military Decision Making Process and its use in the planning of tactical combat operations. This training removes students from the normal military training environment to unfamiliar geographical locations. Training Staff chose locations that provide a range of tactical challenges due to the nature of the terrain. The varied terrain around Clonmel is particularly suited to this type of tactical training.

Costs were agreed with the Hotel in advance of the training and students pay on an individual basis. This cost is recouped by an individual subsistence claim in accordance with public service subsistence procedures. The cost for the most recent course outlined above was €157 per student. Since March 2012 two courses have been held at the Hotel; a full summary is contained in the following table:

DatePurposeTotal cost
27thto 31stMay 2013Command and Staff Training€14,280
10thto 12thMarch 2015Command and Staff Training€4,400
Total€18,680

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