Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore supported the retention of Columb barracks in Mullingar before last February’s general election, according to an interview recorded during the election campaign.
Mr Gilmore expressed support for the stance taken by local Labour TD Willie Penrose and other party representatives in opposing the closure of the barracks, the interview given by Mr Gilmore to a local website shows.
Mr Penrose resigned yesterday as Minister of State for Housing after the Cabinet approved the closure of Columb Barracks and three other barracks next year.
In the interview which has just come to light, Mr Gilmore says he is very much aware of the importance of the barracks to Mullingar and of the “important part” it plays in the overall fabric of the Defence Forces in the country.
“I support the position taken by Willie Penrose and [local Labour councillor] Michael Dollard and local representatives in . . . the pride they have in the facility and in ensuring that its remains here,” Mr Gilmore states.
“A barracks isn’t just about the buildings. It’s about the connectedness between the Defence Force and the Army and the town,” he says. “There’s a very close connection between the town and the Army. That’s something that has to be sustained, kept and worked upon.”
Earlier today, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte denied Mr Penrose's was the first in a line of possible resignations over tough decisions the Government will be taking in the Budget.
Speaking on RTÉ radio this morning, Mr Rabbitte said he was very sorry to see him go but insisted it did not signal a deeper unrest within the Government.
"I don’t think you can draw the conclusion that others will go," he said. "Mullingar barracks is deep in Willie Penrose’s DNA. He has always been committed to it and has a particular affection for the barracks..
“I am very sorry to see him go. It was an extremely difficult decision for him but the Government is confronted with very serious decisions and we have to get on with it.”
Mr Rabbitte said he hoped to see him back in the Labour Party.
Meanwhile, Focus Ireland called for a new minister to be appointed urgently to replace Mr Penrose to ensure funding for homeless services was protected in the upcoming budget.
The charity said it regretted Mr Penrose’s decision, but praised his understanding of homelessness and housing need in Ireland.
Chief executive Joyce Loughnan warned that without a concerted approach to tackling homelessness there would be a crisis "which will result in painful costs at both a human and economic level across society.”
