LAST December, Defence Minister Alan Shatter decided that, as a result of a cut in the maximum permitted strength of the Defence Forces from 10,500 to 9,500, a reorganisation would take place including a reduction in army brigades from three (with headquarters in Dublin, Cork and Athlone) to two.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called on Alan Shatter to “come clean” on restructuring plans for the Defence Forces.

Concern has been raised that proposed changes to army structures in Cork could impact on the Defence Forces’ ability to help during civil emergencies.

Fears are growing for the future of the 477-strong 4th Infantry Battalion at Collins Barracks in Cork amid strong indications the unit is to be disbanded as part of a Defence Forces overhaul.

NEIGHBOURING north Kerry and west Limerick parishes were last night trying to come to terms with tragedies that claimed the lives of a young solider and a schoolboy.

THE new commander of the Irish army in the south reviewed troops yesterday on his first day in the job.