Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
260. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a survey of disused properties belonging to the Defence Forces has been undertaken, with a view to their repurposing as accommodation for refugees or those seeking asylum in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5310/23]
View answer272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if obsolete or disused military installations can be utilised to cater for refugees or people who are homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5496/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 272 together. The provision of accommodation for homeless persons is primarily the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. I am advised that my Department has previously submitted returns to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, in accordance with their suitability criteria, on property holdings which could be considered for the provision of accommodation for those persons seeking refuge from the war in the Ukraine.
At present the following current and former military installations have been made available for the purposes of accommodating those seeking refuge:
- Kilbride Camp, Co. Wicklow
- Ballymullen Barracks, Kerry
- former Columb Barracks, Westmeath
- Gormanston Training Centre, Meath
