In the immediate aftermath of Tuesday's announcement, members of the Friends of Columb Barracks gathered at the barrack gates; included were (from left) Cliodhna Quinn, Roma Cleary with her daughter, Robyn, Des Walsh, Angela Maher, Rebecca O'Callaghan and Breda O'Callaghan.

Mullingar devastated as awful news hits the town

Published: Thu 17 Nov 2011, 5:30 PM

"Utter devastation" were the words a tearful Rebecca O'Callaghan used to describe the final decision to close Mullingar's Columb Barracks on Tuesday.Soldiers from the 4th Field Artillery Regiment are due into Dublin Airport tomorrow, Thursday, following their tour of duty in the Lebanon, and will have to face the grim truth that they can no longer call Mullingar barracks their home.Speaking through tears, Rebecca, daughter of RSM Noel O'Callaghan, expressed her shock and great sadness following months of campaigning to save the military camp - such an integral part of Mullingar life."I have no words to describe it, I am just so upset, I'm nearly unable to speak," she said as she clung to friends and family members of the 200 army personnel linked to Columb Barracks where a large crowd of supporters had gathered to brace the news.It's believed the troops will now be transferred to Athlone, where it will cost up to â¬2.84m for additional office space, a regimental headquarters and training rooms in 13 prefabs, locker facilities and storage areas.Meanwhile, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce president Pat Whelan said that the town's business lobby would "keep fighting" to have the barracks closure decision reversed."I'm absolutely disgusted," Mr Whelan said."It's a massive blow, and it will set the town and its economy back decades if it's allowed to happen."It's expected that the barracks closure will cost the town's economy â¬8 million annually.The barracks is expected to close in March 2012, the end of a 200-year era for Mullingar.