TDs' silence on Custume Barracks future criticised

Dáil deputies in Longford/Westmeath have yet to come out to reassure the public that Costume Barracks will remain open and that its status is secure, according to Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. In a noisy outburst during the January council meeting, the now independent public representative blasted elected representatives for staying silent on the future of Custume Barracks, given the speculation that the number of brigades in the country could be reduced from three to two, effectively heralding a downgrading of the local facility. He made the comments in the context of a motion from Cllr Paul Hogan, asking the council to write to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to seek clarification on the future of the Garda Water Unit amid concerns that it could be located to Santry, and the future of Custume Barracks in light of the number of army personnel falling to 9,500 and the speculation the number of brigades would be cut to two shortly. Cllr Hogan said the brigade structure on the British model usually involves 5,000 assigned to each brigade. Hitting out at elected representatives in Longford/Westmeath and the parties in power, Cllr Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, previously a member of Fianna Fáil, complained that councillors in Mullingar were accused of scaremongering on Columb Barracks before it was closed. He said it was vitally important that Custume Barracks remained open in Athlone and clarity was needed on the matter. Criticising Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Cllr Moran said he had forgotten what happens outside the capital. He went on to invite Mayor Alan Shaw to invite "his friend" to the town to find out what was happening. He also criticised the elected representatives for the constituency, whom he claimed had yet to assure people the barracks would remain open. Cllr Aengus O'Rourke said it was vital the government give some kind of assurance in relation to the barracks and water unit which appear to be at risk. Any potential downgrading or closure of Costume Barracks would be an "absolute disaster" for Athlone, he predicted, adding that there was not enough noise from the local TDs on these issues.