The Land Development Agency (LDA) has confirmed an interest in acquiring Mullingar's Columb Barracks site for development.

Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe informed a Labour representative that his Department has received the interest and begun the necessary background work for an application. He also confirmed there are no plans in place to reopen the barracks for troop development.

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Responding to Minister Kehoe, Labour Spokesperson for Rural and Community Affairs Willie Penrose TD said: "I hope that the Minister will be in a position to lay out the future plans for the barracks site in the months to come and that whatever the site is used for, that it will serve to benefit Mullingar.

"I will also press the Minister to ensure that appropriate provision in terms of accommodation is made for the many groups and organisations who are currently in situ at the Barracks campus and to protect the valuable work they have been undertaking over the past few years."

(CM/JG)