No progress on Columb sale

There has been no "substantial progress made towards achieving a sale" of Mullingar Barracks, the minister for defence has told Deputy Nicky McFadden.In a written reply to her Dáil question about plans for an alternative use of Columb Barracks, if the minister could outline them, and if he would make a statement on the matter, Minister for Defence Alan Shatter TD said some discussion has taken place and he "would of course be happy to discuss with any interested group proposals they may have for the purchase and development of the site for the benefit of the local community".The minister's written answer included these statements:As with previous rounds of consolidation under the Defence Forces modernisation programme, barracks once vacated are being disposed of with the proceeds being used to fund the upgrading of Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure.Since the announcement of the government decision on barrack closures my Department has written to each government department and various agencies and local authorities seeking expressions of interest in acquiring any of the properties including Columb Barracks to benefit the local community as a whole but with particular emphasis on job creation measures.Whilst some discussion has taken place in relation to Mullingar Barracks no substantial progress has been made towards achieving a sale to date.I would of course be happy to discuss with any interested group proposals they may have for the purchase and development of the site for the benefit of the local community.