Closing barracks ‘would take €8m out of economies’

CLOSING an army barracks will save the state at most €200,000 — but will deprive local economies of up to €8 million, according to the association representing soldiers, sailors and aircrew.

PDFORRA said the savings to the state did not include the millions it would have to spend on building works at the barracks the soldiers would move into.

General secretary Gerry Rooney told the association’s annual conference in Athlone that proposals to close Columb Barracks in Mullingar, Kickham Barracks in Clonmel and Cavan Military Post were causing enormous distress for members and their families.