It is “not really feasible” to use Dublin’s Cathal Brugha Barracks for housing, the Tánaiste has said.
Micheál Martin was speaking after it emerged the Land Development Agency was tasked with studying whether it would be worth moving the Irish Army barracks out of Rathmines to free up space for 1,300 houses.
Speaking ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, Minister Martin said the move is unlikely to be approved.
He said the feasibility study had concluded that moving the barracks would be very costly.
"A decision will be made today in respect of Cathal Brugha Barracks," he said.
"A very exhaustive and comprehensive feasibility exercise was undertaken in terms of whether one would relocate Cathal Brugha Barracks to another location and then have housing developed there.
“The consensus emerging from the studies are that you’ll have to spend about one billion in total for about 1,300 houses,” he said.
“That’s not really feasible, plus there are significant security dimensions to the need to retain a barracks in the central area of the city.”
The study estimated it would cost €497 million to relocate the barracks and a further €499 million to build 1,300 homes on the site.
Yesterday, 47 students from the 56th Potential NCO's course ran by 2 Brigade Training Centre marked the conclusion of their training in Cathal Brugha Barracks.
Congratulations to all students and staff on your achievement & best wishes in your new roles as junior leaders. pic.twitter.com/A0t3jbGtcI
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) January 14, 2022
Cathal Brugha Barracks currently hosts the Irish Army’s 2 Brigade, the 7th Infantry Battalion and several other units.
It is also home to the Defence Forces School of Music, the Military Archives and a visitor centre.
Centenary celebrations are in Dublin today.
Cathal Brugha Barracks is a key site in the history of both Ireland’s revolutionary period & of Dublin City.
Today marks the centenary of its handover from the British Army to the National Army, Óglaigh na hÉireann, on 17th May 1922. pic.twitter.com/EYTDFx28Ll
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) May 17, 2022
Prior to independence, it was a British Army barracks and was handed over to the Free State on May 17th, 1922.
As the Worcestershire Regiment marched out, the Dublin Guards marched in with General Eoin O’Duffy taking the salute.
Main image: Split of Micheál Martin and Irish soldiers in Cathal Brugha Barracks. Pictures by: Alamy.com
