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Tánaiste Coughlan and Minister Killeen visit Finner Camp


The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills Ms. Mary Coughlan TD and the Minister for Defence Mr Tony Killeen TD today (Monday 22nd November 2010) visited Finner Camp in Donegal. On arrival at the Camp, the Tánaiste and the Minister were greeted by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean McCann, General Officer Commanding the Western Brigade, Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty and the Officer Commanding the 28th Infantry Battalion, Lt Col Michael Meehan.

The Tánaiste then reviewed a Guard of Honour of members of the 28th Infantry Battalion. She and Minister Killeen were later briefed by senior military personnel and shown around the facilities at the Camp where they met with members of the 28th Battalion.

During the visit the Tánaiste performed the official opening of the new Administration and Security Block which has been completed under the Department of Defence’s capital building programme. Tánaiste Coughlan said “I am delighted to officially open this new Block. The building is part of an ongoing programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces and is part of the recognition of this very important work. I can assure you that the feedback and verdict on the building has been very positive to-date. I am pleased to say that it stands as a reminder of the Government’s ongoing commitment to provide modern facilities for members of the Defence Forces”.

Speaking during the visit Minister Killeen said “The role of the Defence Forces in the security of strategic installations, cash-in-transit duties, prison and prisoner security and aid to the civil authorities is very important to the safety of our citizens. In 52 years of peacekeeping in some of the most hostile regions of the world, the Defence Forces have saved countless lives and made a significant contribution to international peace and security.”

Minister Killeen continued “The 28th Battalion, particularly because of its location, has made a huge contribution over the years to the security of the State. It is important that this work is recognised and acknowledged.”

Finner has a long military association going back to 1890 when the area was first surveyed by the British as a possible training camp. Since being taken over by the National Army in 1922, the Camp has seen many changes and was at the forefront of activity in the late 1960s when the troubles in Northern Ireland escalated. At that time a Refugee Centre and First Aid Station were established in the Camp to cope with the growing crisis. Since then the Camp has grown in stature and has played a pivotal role in the security of the State. In 2009 under the Barrack consolidation programme approximately 258 staff were re-located here arising from the closure of Lifford and Rockhill Military Posts. There are currently 423 all ranks personnel serving in Finner Camp.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Derval Monahan Press Adviser to Minister Killeen, Department of Defence, on Mobile + 353876781608 or Department of Defence Press Office 045 492108 or Press Office Mobile +365387234 0397.


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