The Department of Defence says suitable alternative accommodation has been identified for rental in Clonmel and Mullingar towns for use by the local Reserve Defence Force units.
Members of the Reserve Force had been based in Kickham and Columb Barracks but have been without a home since these premises closed down last month. The full time soldiers involved have since moved to other locations.
This afternoon the Department said it expected to complete the necessary administrative arrangements shortly for the rental of the accommodation for the Reserve soldiers.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Defence Alan Shatter recently told the Dáil that a value for money review of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and the recommendations arising from this review will inform future plans for the Reserve.
The current number serving in the Reserve Force, formerly the FCA, is 5,122 - down from 6,644 at the end of 2009.
Mr Shatter also said a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces is underway which will involve a reduction in the number of Army brigades from three to two and will necessarily impact and include the Reserve Defence Force.
Any recommendations regarding the future organisation of the Reserve must dovetail with those for the overall Defence organisation.
The Minister said recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force is linked to the level of funding available for paid training.
There have been significant reductions in Defence funding over recent years, he said, and paid days have reduced from approximately 60,000 in 2009 to 30,000 in 2010 and 2011.
Although Defence resourcing has further reduced for 2012, the allocation for paid training for the Reserve Defence Force in 2012 will be maintained at 2011 and 2010 levels.
In addition to training for existing members of the Reserve, this will provide for training of approximately 400 new recruits to the Reserve Defence Force during 2012.
