Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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658. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consideration given to making available unused barracks accommodation in order to assist in the homeless crisis. [49369/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The provision of housing accommodation is a matter in the first instance for the relevant local authorities. My Department is however committed to providing whatever assistance possible to support the implementation of the strategy on homelessness.

In this regard, my Department continues to engage with local authorities in relation to the acquisition of Departmental property that is no longer required for military purposes or housing. Discussions are ongoing in relation to the transfer of properties that could form part of the general housing stock available to local authorities, thus contributing to efforts in alleviating the problem of homelessness.

In addition, since 2014, part of St Bricin’s military installation in Dublin has been made available to Dublin City Council as emergency accommodation for the homeless. The allocated area provides space for 27 beds.

Notwithstanding the above, it should be noted that particular issues arise in relation to providing accommodation to civilians within an operational military barracks, foremost amongst them being security. Furthermore, many vacant former housing units on barracks premises are in very poor state of repair. Their condition is inconsistent with the standard that would be required for living accommodation and a significant investment in both cost and time would be required in order to make them habitable and compliant with current health and safety legislation.