Posted by Cllr Frankie Keena 15/06/2012
Major reorganisation of Defence Forces announced outside of Green Paper process
At the public meeting that I called last Monday night I stated that a decision on the plans to downgrade Custume Barracks was imminent. Unfortunately I was right as last evening in the Dail the Government announced that the 4th Western Brigade of the Defence Forces is to be axed. This is going to have a devastating effect on Athlone & Co Westmeath and it will also have serious implications right across the West of Ireland.
Deputy James Bannon who attended the public meeting on the night spoke on local radio the following day and said that there was alot of scaremongering going on at the meeting and that he can assure people that there will be no downgrade or closure to Custume Barracks. No wonder people are cynical about politicans!
The Government has had a commitment to a Green Paper on the future of the Defence Forces for some time now. This announcement today of a major reorganisation completely undermines that process. Given the lack of consultation around this announcement, one wonders what further plans the Government has for the organisation of the army.
This is essentially a downgrading of the Defence Forces in the West.
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