Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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349. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to address the reasonable proposals put forward in correspondence (details supplied), so as to facilitate this infantry battalion without incurring any additional costs; if he will have same examined in detail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26029/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The accommodation requirements of the Mullingar RDF unit have recently been reviewed. The available facilities in Columb Barracks have also been assessed. It is clear that substantial refurbishment work would have to be completed if Columb Barrack was to be used by the RDF. A cost estimate of the required refurbishment work is being prepared. Any proposals for future use must of course be shown to be cost effective regarding any refurbishment required and the ongoing maintenance and utility costs which will be incurred in using the Barracks. It must also be remembered that the property is no longer required for military use. My focus is on the long - term capability of the Defence Forces and the future of the property must be considered in that context.

Regarding Civil Defence, the position is that the provision of accommodation for local Civil Defence Units is in the first instance a matter for the relevant local authority and no proposal has been received from them in this regard.