Barracks to go on the market

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Barracks to go on the market

The Department of Defence has confirmed that Longford's Connolly Barracks will be put on the market next year.
Just this time last year, it was announced by the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan that the Government had decided to reduce the number of army barracks in the country to bring it more into line with operational requirements of the defence forces and to permit economies of scale.

In January the final soldiers left Connolly Barracks in an emotional closing ceremony.

It has been widely rumoured that both the gardai and the VEC are interested in renting or buying some of the premises at Connolly Barracks and the Department of Defence has confirmed this.

Brendan Coghlan, the Principal Officer in the Property Branch of the Department of Defence told the Leader: "Our plan at the moment is to put the barracks up for sale next year along with a number of other properties we have to dispose of. We are dealing with the gardai and VEC's interest first and then we intend to advertise the balance of the property."

The Department of Defence have not had any other interest in the property. "In terms of interest in the Barracks we've given a local football team the pitch for this season and we are facilitating the local authorities with the premises for their Halloween celebrations but no-one else has shown any interest in the barracks other than that."

He concluded by saying: "We'll consider any other offers after we have concluded our discussions with the VEC and the gardai."

Connolly Barracks will re-open to the public over this coming Halloween weekend for the 'Dead of Night' carnival celebrations.