Penrose resigns after barracks closure

Junior Minister Willie Penrose has offered his resignation from the Cabinet following the Government's decision to close the Columb Army Barracks in Mullingar.

The Longford/Westmeath TD had been discussing the issue with his party colleagues and is very much against the Government's move to shut the barracks.

The move by Cabinet today is part of cost-cutting measures.

Barracks in Clonmel, Castlebar and Cavan will also shut.