Coveney insists no decision on closure of barracks after Ryan's 'outrageous' tweet

Defence Minister Simon Coveney pointed out the barracks provides a significant land bank and that the Department of Defence had secured funding from the Department of Taoiseach under the Housing for All fund to engage consultants to undertake a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study into the possible relocation of Cathal Brugha Barracks. File photo: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Defence Minister Simon Coveney has said there has been no Government decision to close Dublin’s only operational Army barracks – but did confirm that a feasibility study is to be conducted on using the land for housing.

He was responding to criticism over a video tweet sent by Environment Minister Eamon Ryan a week ago announcing the Government is “looking at developing” Cathal Brugha Barracks for affordable housing.