Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Willie O’Dea is calling on the Government to immediately clarify the future of Sarsfield Barracks, after they refused to rule out further barrack closures. Deputy O’Dea believes that Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter needs to calm fears that the barracks could be closed, after comments made in the Dáil by the Minister.
Responding to a question about the future of the various army barrack sites around the country, Minister Shatter responded, “I cannot give a commitment that there will not be further programmes of barrack consolidation.”
Speaking about the Minister’s comment, Deputy O’Dea believes that it is irresponsible for the Minister to stoke the fears of people about the future of the barracks. “I’m surprised at Minister Shatter making such a statement that only causes worry and uncertainty for all the people who live and work in the country’s various army barracks. It is an irresponsible comment and one which he needs to immediately clarify.”
“I’ve already had dozens of calls to my office seeking more information about what this will mean for the future of Sarsfield Barracks. A lot of people’s livelihoods are tied to the barracks and for the Minister to be making this kind of comment only puts them on edge. They are now very worried about their future.”
“Minister Shatter and the Government have a responsibility to the people of Limerick and everyone associated with Sarsfield Barracks to outline what their future plans are for the facility. When I was in Government I secured further investment in the facility which should have seen the future of the barracks cemented. However Minister Shatter and the Government are now putting that in doubt.”
“The new Government have given a commitment to be open in their dealings and to lay things on the line. That does not mean causing unnecessary fear amongst members of the public. For that reason I am calling on Minister Shatter to put forward his plans for the future of the barracks and to tell the people of Limerick if he expects Sarsfield Barrack’s to remain operating for many years to come,” Deputy O’Dea concluded.
