Barracks closures - Savings must be specified

When Willie Penrose promised to try to keep Columb Barracks open in Mullingar, he was making an individual promise to his constituents.

He demonstrated the depth of his commitment by resigning as a minister of state, and by giving up his seat in the Cabinet, as well as resigning the Labour Party whip.

He has, however, asked serious questions that cast doubts about the financial benefits of the decision to close the barracks. In the past 12 years, the sale of former military barracks netted €85m for the state, but that was when barracks around the country could be sold to commercial concerns for large sums of money.

Estate agents question the decision to close barracks in Mullingar, Clonmel, Cavan and Castlebar, as there would appear to be no demand for the property. Moreover, potential buyers would unlikely be able to borrow money to purchase them. There are listed buildings in Columb, and the area is zoned open space, so there is little or no development potential. Yet the state will be obliged to ensure the upkeep of listed buildings.

The Government should specify the actual savings in such cases.