Closing barracks would be lunacy, says Penrose

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”.

Department of Defence chiefs say all options are on the table and they have not ruled out shutting down the 180-man Columb military barracks under cost-saving plans.

Wives of soldiers and army families in Westmeath joined forces in a public meeting on Monday and expressed concern about the future facility, which is dedicated to artillery.