ALERT: Tipperary army site 'left in a dangerous way should access be found by the public'

Tipperary public representatives had a meeting with the Department of Defence on the future of Nenagh Military Barracks on Tuesday. 

Tipperary North TD, Alan Kelly, said: "The meeting went through the options for the future of the site which is in a completely dilapidated state. It is a site that is left in a dangerous way should access be found by members of the public.

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"This is a very central and valuable site in the centre of the town of Nenagh. Over the years I have constantly been raising the issue of this site with the department of Defence and the Council.

"The Department on numerous occasions told me they would give the site to the Council but they refused it as they wouldn’t be able to fund its maintenance or plan for its future. They are right to take such a stance.

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"The Department reiterated that they would be willing to hand over the site for a nominal fee. However there are a number of issues that need to be sorted out before that can even be considered.

"Firstly there needs to be a full title search on the lands owned to show who owns what at the site.

"Secondly there needs to be a plan put forward by the local council as regards what vision they have for the site. Will this involve housing, a retirement village, a relief road in the town, a museum or a combination of all of the above.

"Thirdly before any handover happens takes place and this is critical, there has to be funding provided for the future plan by this Government. Without this no handover can happen and no project can take place. The council can’t fund this. The Government have to.

"The meeting concluded with the Department agreeing to provide us all with full titles as they see them now for the lands. Secondly they are to re survey the whole site and get a report on the buildings conditions.

"Thirdly they will provide all documentation from engagements that they have had with other departments and state bodies regarding the site and finally a submission will be made to the Minister for Defence Simon Harris on future plans for he site and how that would be planned and financed.

"I will be working with the council, the local public representatives and the Department of Defence to advance this after the meeting and ensuring pressure comes on the Government to deliver for Nenagh."