Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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58. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has been contacted by a group (details supplied) seeking to use Mullingar barracks as temporary accommodation to house homeless veterans; his views on these requests; his further views on using Mullingar barracks for such purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23193/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In December 2016 I met with representatives of the Irish United Nations Veterans (IUNVA) and discussed the future use of Columb Barracks with them. As the Deputy may be aware in 2014, IUNVA were provided with accommodation within the Barracks specifically for the purpose of holding meetings of the local Mullingar Branch. This premises occupied by IUNVA is not suitable for residential accommodation in its current state. Any refurbishment would require significant investment to meet the required standards from a Health and Safety perspective. I advised IUNVA that 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 by my Department.

The disposal of the Barracks must now be progressed in keeping with the Government’s policy to dispose of surplus property no longer required for military purposes.

On the 27 of April Mr Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, launched the online Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map as a key part of the Rebuilding Ireland initiative. Columb Barracks has been included as one of the publicly owned sites which has potential for housing development.  The Department will be exploring all avenues including public auction regarding the disposal of the Barracks in the coming months. In that context my officials will be contacting all existing occupants of the Barracks, including IUNVA, to discuss future arrangements.