Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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32. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacant residential properties owned by his Department in the State; the plans that exist to refurbish them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24603/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware it is a long standing policy that long term residential married quarters are no longer provided.

I am advised that there are seventy three vacant buildings in total and they are located as follows

In standing with the policy to discontinue with provision of Married Quarters and given the historical nature of many of these buildings some of these vacant properties are no longer in a habitable state and it would be very challenging to bring same up to modern residential standards. Many of the properties require significant works in order to comply with modern standards for use as living accommodation and the overall cost would likely be prohibitive.

In considering properties for alternative use, my Department must take into account their general condition. These properties are reviewed from time to time in light of plans for the overall development of military properties. Single-Living-In accommodation is provided in every permanently occupied military installation.