Kildare South Fine Gael TD Deputy Martin Heydon has received confirmation from Department of Defence officials that a date has been set for the Auction to sell Magee Barracks. This comes after the sales process was confirmed a number of months ago.

“The public auction to sell Magee Barracks will take place on Thursday 11th February. A location for the auction has yet to be confirmed. Department officials are liaising with the auctioneers appointed to manage the sale and are happy with the response they have received to date. They confirmed that the sale will be advertised both nationally and internationally.

“Following confirmation from Minister Coveney at a meeting I organised a few months ago, the historic gates at Magee Barracks have now been removed and placed in the care of the Military. It is likely that they will be preserved at the Military Museum.

“This prominent site, covering a large section of the town from the Melitta road to the Dublin Road in Kildare town is an important one for the town and this sale is an opportunity for further industry or development to be brought into the town.

“The site has had a chequered past since the Barracks closed in 1998. The derelict site has been a blight on the town and nearby residents in the intervening years. It’s sale would allow for future business development which is crucial. I believe the site has potential for commercial development that can lead to job creation as well as capacity for housing and local community space.”