The Government has spent over €600,000 securing and running empty army barracks which were closed to help make savings in the Defence Forces.

When Willie Penrose promised to try to keep Columb Barracks open in Mullingar, he was making an individual promise to his constituents.

A MINISTER of state has pledged to vigorously oppose any bid to close a military barracks in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, declaring such a move as “economic lunacy”.