Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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242. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the organisations operating out of Columb Barracks that have a lease. [49924/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The majority of current occupiers of Columb Barracks are there without the express legal permission of the Department of Defence. I am advised that my Department's records indicate that three legal indentures were sought or entered into for occupiers of Columb Barracks. In October 2018, the Department wrote to all occupiers of Columb Barracks, informing them of the need to vacate the premises having regard to the eventual transfer of the property to the Land Development Agency (LDA).

The Department of Defence has had proactive engagements with the Land Development Agency (LDA), following confirmation of its interest in acquiring the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar for the development of housing provision. To this end, officials continue to liaise with the LDA in order to facilitate the transfer of these lands and property. On completion of the transfer all issues associated with the future development of the site will be a matter for the LDA.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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243. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the engagement between his Department, the Land Development Agency and a group (details supplied) regarding the future of Columb Barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49925/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Defence has had proactive engagements with the Land Development Agency (LDA), following confirmation of its interest in acquiring the former Columb Barracks in Mullingar for the development of housing provision. To this end, officials continue to liaise with the LDA in order to facilitate the transfer of these lands and property. On completion of the transfer all issues associated with the future development of the site will be a matter for the LDA.

My officials are aware that the LDA have engaged with stakeholders in relation to their future plans. As these are matters primarily for that Agency, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to comment further.