Barracks could lose up to 300 soldiers

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has been urged to clarify the future of Collins Barracks in Cork after it emerged up to 300 soldiers may be leaving it — far more than the 64 mooted by the minister last month.

Fianna Fáil TD Michael McGrath said commandants from the 4th Infantry Battalion briefed privates, corporals, and non-commissioned officers and they were “totally shocked at what they heard”.

“I understand that members of the 4th Infantry Battalion, which is being disbanded by the minister, and the Logistics HQ based at Collins Barracks were advised that up to 250 of them would be transferred to Limerick and Kilkenny between September and November this year,” said Mr McGrath.