Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will engage with voluntary housing bodies such as an organisation (details supplied) to explore the potential of renovating existing buildings at Columb Barracks, Mullingar for housing accommodation purposes and also for community activities. [32181/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously informed the Deputy 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. Westmeath County Council has recently confirmed that it has no such interest.

In 2016, officials from my Department met with the CEO and officials of Longford and Westmeath Educational and Training Board regarding the possible use of Mullingar Barracks - including a site visit. To date, I have received no proposals from the Board regarding the future use of the barracks nor has there been any approach from the Department of Education and Skills.

In May 2016 officials from my Department attended a public meeting in Mullingar on the future use of the barracks. A local group was subsequently established in order to prepare a feasibility study on its use by the community. However, no report from that group has been furnished to my Department to date.

On the 27th April this year Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., the then 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 may have the potential for housing development. To date my officials have had no formal approaches in this regard.

As the barracks is no longer required for military purposes the current financial and administrative burden resulting from its retention cannot be sustained. In its current condition the barracks is not suitable for residential accommodation and any refurbishment or renovation would require significant investment in order to meet the required standards from a health and safety perspective.

Having regard to the lack of expressions of interest for the acquisition of the barracks I have instructed my officials to continue to proceed with its disposal by public auction in the coming months. In this context, my officials will be contacting all existing occupants to discuss future arrangements.

Notwithstanding this my officials are available to meet with representatives of the Father McVerry Trust to discuss with them any proposals they may have regarding the possible future use of the barracks.