BY LIAM CORCORAN

The army’s presence in Galway city is set to increase substantially with the news that almost 180 extra troops are to be re-stationed to Renmore barracks.

Defence Minister Alan Shatter made the announcement earlier this week as part of new consolidation plans for the army. The barracks at Renmore will station an extra 178 troops, although a spokesman for the Defence Forces could not confirm when this will happen.

The news is considered a major boost for Renmore and will bring the total number of soldiers stationed at the barracks, which is situated beside Lough Atalia, up to 496. When civilian Department of Defence employees at Renmore are taken into account, the move will bring the total number of employees at the site up to well over 500.

There had been some fears locally over the future of the Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa barracks, which is home to an Chéad Chathlán Coisithe, the country’s only Irish-speaking battalion.

The previous government had considered disbanding the battalion as part of cost-cutting measures which would have effectively closed the base.

The transfer of almost 200 troops from Mullingar barracks to Custume barracks in Athlone earlier this year increased concerns in Galway over the future of the Renmore facility.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.