I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 22, 27, 75, 77, 93 and 127 together.
The Government on 15 July 1998 approved a programme of evacuation and sale of six barracks which were considered surplus to military requirements. The barracks in question are located in Fermoy, Ballincollig, Naas, Kildare, Castleblayney and Clancy barracks, Dublin. Five of the barracks have been vacated while the sixth, Clancy barracks, will be evacuated this year.
I have decided to dispose of Fitzgerald Camp, Fermoy, to Cork County Council for economic development of the site in conjunction with the IDA. The agreed price is £767,000. The land will be developed and marketed as a strategic industrial site to attract inward investment. This development will greatly assist in the continuing revitalisation of Fermoy and will enhance its potential for future industrial development.
The independent consultants appointed to draw up an integrated action area plan for the former barracks in Ballincollig undertook a rigorous process of public consultation as an integral part of their commission. The integrated plan for the future development of the property is complete and is awaited from the consultants.
Agreement has been reached between my Department and Naas Urban District Council on the transfer of part of the property of Devoy barracks to the council for local purposes. The balance of the property has been rezoned for housing in line with the development plan for Naas UDC, as adopted on 29 May 1999. A tender competition was held in October 1999 for the appointment of selling agents to undertake the sale of the property. The Department, having considered the offers received, decided to re-invite tenders for selling agents. These were due on 14 February. A total of 14 tenders were received and these are currently being examined.
Arising from a request by the Department of Foreign Affairs to house Kosovar refugees, I offered that Department the opportunity to inspect the five vacated barracks to check their feasibility for the accommodation of the refugees. Currently, Magee barracks, Kildare is being used for this purpose on a temporary basis. In the interim a tender competition has been arranged for the appointment of independent consultants to prepare an area action plan in respect of the former barracks land. A number of the proposals received were short listed and those consultants on the short list made presentations before a select committee on 16 February. The consultants selected will submit a report within three months of appointment. The sale of the barracks will proceed as soon as practicable following evaluation of the report.
I decided to sell the site of Castleblayney barracks to the North Eastern Health Board for £600,000. Pending completion of the legal and financial formalities, a caretaker agreement has been completed between the North Eastern Health Board and my Department. The former barracks was handed over to the board on 9 February on foot of that agreement. It is envisaged that the child care project proposed by the health board for the site will provide 45 permanent appointments and a sum in excess of £1 million will be invested in the provision of the necessary facilities. In addition, the annual revenue for the town is estimated to be in the region of £1.2 million. The proposal from the North Eastern Health Board includes a gymnasium, an all-weather pitch and a swimming pool. I understand these facilities will be made available to the local community when not in use for child care purposes. In accordance with normal practice, all legal aspects of the sale will be handled by the Chief State Solicitor acting on my Department's behalf.
It is expected that up to £50 million will be realised from the sales of barracks. I do not intend to close any other barracks.