Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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679. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current situation surrounding the former Columb Barracks site in Mullingar; if he has received any proposals regarding an alternative use for the barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39773/16]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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680. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeframe that is remaining to submit proposals regarding the former Columb Barracks site in Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39774/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 680 together.

Following the closure of Columb Barracks in 2012, my Department has explored a number of avenues to try and secure the long-term future of the former barracks for the benefit of the local community. Government Departments and other Public Bodies, including Westmeath County Council, have been invited to declare any interest in acquiring the property. To date no interest has been identified.

However, in the context of its potential future use contributing to the positive development of Mullingar, my Department remains open to viable proposals to these ends from Westmeath County Council. Earlier this year, on my instructions, officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. Both at that meeting and subsequently the position as outlined herein was clearly stated. Following that meeting a local group was established in order to prepare a feasibility study on the future use of the barracks, to date no such report has been furnished to my Department. Also Officials from my Department recently met with the CEO and officials of Longford and Westmeath Educational and Training Board regarding possible use of Mullingar Barracks. To date I have received no proposals from the Board regarding their future use of the barracks.

As the Barracks is no longer required for military purposes the current financial and administrative burden resulting from the retention of the Barracks cannot be sustained. The disposal of the property by public auction will now be actively progressed in keeping with the Government’s policy and recent practice to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes. My officials will be contacting all existing occupants of the Barracks to discuss their future occupation of the Barracks.