Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces at Custume Barracks, Athlone; and his plans for same. [15489/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The current strength of Defence Force personnel at Custume barracks, Athlone on 28 Feb 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, was 833 across all ranks.

The re-organisation in 2013 did not significantly alter the actual number of PDF personnel serving in Custume Barracks, Athlone. In accordance with the revised organisational structures, as of 30 November 2012 the establishment for Units based in Custume Barracks is 995 personnel. The effect of the re-organisation on Custume Barracks is that the actual number of PDF personnel based in Custume Barracks has been stabilised within an overall strength ceiling of 9,500 PDF personnel.

No member of the Defence Forces is exclusively or permanently based in any one location, including Custume Barracks. There is a constant through flow of personnel into and out of Custume Barracks and indeed other Barracks. This is because military service involves personnel moving into and out of particular postings as they serve at home and overseas, receive training and undergo educational and career development courses.

As has been previously stated at meetings between my officials and local representatives regarding the matter of Custume Barracks, I am committed to the future of the facility as an important, operational military Barracks. There are no plans to change this.