Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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632. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the future use of Columb Barracks (details supplied) in Mullingar, County Westmeath. [11282/16]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Following the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department wrote to Government Departments and other Public Bodies inviting them to express any interest in the property, with a view to its disposal by the Department. No such interest was expressed at that time. My officials also met with local representatives and officials from Westmeath County Council to discuss the future of the Barracks.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department was approached by the Westmeath GAA County Board for the use of the Barracks as a training centre on a short term lease with a possibility of a future purchase and development by the GAA. It would now appear from recent discussion with the Westmeath County Board that this outcome will not be achieved. At present the former Barracks is used by the County Board, An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service for training purposes. A number of other local groups including the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), the Order of Malta and the Midland Youth Services have also been allocated units in the Barracks. My Department has also received numerous requests from other community groups wishing to avail of accommodation within the Barracks.

In January this year Officials from the Department again met with the CEO of Westmeath County Council to discuss the long term future plans for the Barracks. At the meeting the Council indicated that they do not have the resources to take over the running Barracks on behalf of the community.

While the Department supports the ongoing use of the Barracks by the local community, the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained given that the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes.

I would be happy to receive proposals from any interested group, for the possible purchase and future development of the site for the benefit of the local community. However, to date we have received no indications that this is likely to occur. The option of disposing of the property by public auction is now being considered. This is in keeping with the Department’s policy to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes.

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