Defence forces relocation criticised
The Department of Defence is set to relocate to a site owned by Kildare County Council in Newbridge, while the Defence Forces headquarters is moving to the Curragh.
“Spending millions on a site for decentralisation, when hundreds of acres are already available in the same area, just shows how little thought has been put into this decentralisation process,” Mr Timmins said.
The decentralisation decision was announced two years ago by then Finance Minister and Kildare TD Charlie McCreevy.
About 250 department staff are due to move to Newbridge, along with the military chiefs of staff, while another 250 army personnel will move to the Curragh.
Mr Timmins said the Defence Forces were entitled to the exclusive use of the lands at the Curragh under the 1961 Kildare Act.
“The use of up to five acres of Curragh Camp lands for the Department of Defence would still leave the Defence Forces with 766 acres, and would not in any way compromise their ability to engage in training operations,” he said.
“It could also lead to greater, more productive liaison between the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces if both were located at the Curragh.”
Defence Minister Willie O’Dea, in a reply to a Dáil question by Mr Timmins, said the Office of Public Works has assessed 12 potential sites in Newbridge for the department’s headquarters.
“A local authority-owned site, comprising around 4.3 acres, had been identified as a likely solution and it is currently being assessed. When all aspects, including access and security, have been fully evaluated, a final decision will be made regarding the acquisition of the site,” he said.
The site is currently used by a local soccer club, Newbridge Town, who will have to be given a new site by the council.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
