Unlike other closures around the State, the closure of Clancy Barracks in Dublin is unlikely to have a dramatic impact on the local economy. However, it does cast doubt over the future of more than 100 civilian workers who are employed at the site.
About 250 soldiers are based at the Islandbridge barracks, which is the headquarters of the Army Ordnance Corp and Ordnance School.
Courses in bomb-disposal techniques are given there to both Irish soldiers and members of other international troops, including UN personnel.
The barracks is also home to the Army's largest soft-skin vehicle workshop, where non-armour vehicles including Land Rovers, trucks and civilian vehicles, are repaired and maintained.
At present, an estimated 102 civilians work at this supply and transport base workshop, which includes an engineering unit.
Under the development plan announced yesterday by the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, personnel and services at the Clancy Barracks will be relocated to Dublin and the Curragh.
It is believed the Ordnance Corps and School will move to the Curragh as bomb disposal is currently the only Army training aspect not covered at the Co Kildare camp.
However, it is unclear as yet where the Clancy Barracks workshops will be relocated.
The barracks, which cover about 13 acres close to the River Liffey, also contain a large amount of warehouse space where everything from Army vehicles to uniforms are stored.
Because of the scale of the move and the sensitivity of relocating the Ordnance Corps, Clancy Barracks will be the last of the six barracks to close.
When it goes on the property market, at the earliest next year, it is expected to turn out to be the most valuable.