Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the Land Development Agency will reconvene the consultation forum on the future development of Columb Barracks, Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6798/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Lands at the Department of Defence owned site at Columb Barracks, Mullingar was agreed by Government for transfer to the Land Development Agency (LDA) under Housing for All, with the potential to deliver approximately 100 new homes.

I understand that an advisory group was set up in January 2021 to provide an opportunity for key partners to collaborate and advise the LDA in developing a vision for the Barracks site. The objective of the forum is to enable a better understanding of the complexities surrounding the site and its recent uses. The forum is also considering how to facilitate continued leasing of buildings to community groups in the context of the sustainable development of the site.

The site intended for new housing development is currently being occupied by temporary accommodation for Ukrainian Temporary Protection residents and other International Protection applicants.

I am assured that a meeting of the advisory group with key stakeholders, including Westmeath County Council and the Department of Defence as site owner, will be convened to discuss the potential for the site and next steps. Following this, I expect the LDA will consider the appropriate next steps to progress the site and will provide further updates in due course, with a focus on agreeing a timeline for the transfer and development of the site.