Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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157. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he intends to regularise through licence agreements the community groups who are utilising Columb barracks, Mullingar since its closure; when he will transfer ownership to the LDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19224/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will aware, with the use by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth of parts of the installation to house those persons seeking refuge, those community groups who where using the premises on an unlicensed basis have been assured that their use on such a basis could continue. To that end I am advised that the LDA, who will be the eventual owners of the premises, have concluded extensive public consultations as to the future usage of the premises. In that light, it is considered more appropriate that such matters are addressed when the site is formally transferred to that Authority. In that regard, I can confirm that my Department has completed the necessary legal work to effect such a transfer, the further progression of same rests with the LDA.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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158. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will still sign over the Nenagh Army barracks to Tipperary County Council for future development. [19253/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Officials from my Department wrote to Tipperary County Council offering to transfer the property in question for a nominal sum, having regard to its central location in Nenagh and its historical ties to the town. However, the Council declined the offer. My officials are available to discuss the matter further with Tipperary County Council as the initial offer still stands.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the Defence Forces to ensure the Plan continues to reflect current operational requirements.

In respect of Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny the following projects are either completed/ ongoing from 2020 to date at a combined cost of some €4m (VAT incl):

2020

• New Gymnasium/Multi Sports Hall
  
  2021
• Upgrade of Water Network & Telecoms Ducting
• Roofing & Associated Works to Officers Mess Building

• PV Installation Works
• Renovation of H Block Toilets

• Block C Refurbishment - contract award anticipated shortly.
• New Locker Block Facility
• Upgrade of Accommodation Block

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As part of my visit to Kilkenny Barracks, I met with the aforementioned Squash Club and subsequently directed that the necessary building works to bring the building up to the required standard be included in the Defence Forces delegated building programme for 2023.

I am advised that my Department is awaiting a timeframe for the procurement and completion of these works. Upon receipt of which, it was originally intended to agree on terms and conditions with the Club.

However, the Club representatives have recently confirmed that they have now sourced alternative accommodation and have made various requests in relation to their transfer. My Department is currently assessing the overall situation and if satisfied will determine whether any further discussions with the Club are entered into.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There are 7 Civilian Employees in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny. For operational and security reasons, details of the numbers and rank of Defence Forces personnel located at military installations cannot be disclosed. It should be noted however that the number of personnel stationed at a particular location will frequently vary on an on-going basis, as it is a normal operational feature for there to be a constant through-flow of personnel into and out of military installations on an ongoing basis.