CONNOLLY ARMY barracks in Co Longford was officially signed over to the county’s local authorities for €450,000 yesterday.
Minister for Defence Alan Shatter acknowledged how difficult it was for communities to lose their Army barracks, but he insisted they were an essential part of the Defence Forces modernisation programme.
According to Mr Shatter discussions are “presently ongoing” in relation to at least two of the remaining unoccupied Irish Army barracks.
Although portions of the Connolly Barracks are used by the OPW, An Garda Síochána and Longford VEC, the remaining 10.4-acres site was sold to the local authorities for use by the community as a local amenity.
The sale ends the link between the Department of Defence and the facility.
A feasibility study is now due to begin to establish the best possible use for the barracks.
Describing it as an exciting time for Longford, Mr Shatter wished the authorities well with the property. Local councillor Mae Sexton told Mr Shatter she objected to the local authority having to pay any money.
“I think the ceremony is marred by the fact that the local authority has had to pay any money,” she told the Minister.
While it had been suggested the site was a bargain, she said, “if we are to be bitterly frank the barracks was costing your department money”.
Asking Mr Shatter to “rethink” the financial aspect of the sale, she said the local authorities were struggling as it was.
Mr Shatter said that while he appreciated her view, he was duty bound to recoup finances from the sale of State assets in order to support the Defence Forces.
“It would be grossly irresponsible of me if I didn’t assure value was realised,” he remarked.
“I cannot accede to your request. I am surprised that on an occasion like this you would make it,” he added.
Ms Sexton appeared to be the only dissenting voice. The sale was warmly welcomed by town mayor James Keogh, county manager Tim McCaffrey and county mayor, Frank Kilbride.
Welcoming the acquisition, Local TD James Bannon said, “what we want to see out of this is jobs at the end of the day.
“Whatever is decided for the site, we will have the will of the people behind us.”