Families protest over closure of barracks

RELATIVES of soldiers in Longford demonstrated over the decision to close their local barracks in another protest against a budget measure.

The demonstration took place during a visit by army chief of staff Lieutenant General Dermot Earley, who was meeting troops and families affected by the closure. It was announced in last week’s budget that five military installations in Longford, Monaghan, Donegal and Dublin were to close by the end of January.

While no jobs are to be lost in Longford, 130 soldiers will be incorporated into existing barracks in Athlone. The move will bring to an end about 40 years of the Defence Forces presence in the region.