Cllr Noel McCarthy is asking for the support of his colleagues on the northern area committee of Cork County Council, in seeking a meeting with Justice Minister Alan Shatter to press the case for Fitzgerald camp in Fermoy to be handed over to Post 25 United Nations Veterans for them to establish a military museum and interpretative centre on the site.

He wants a deputation of northern area committee members, Fermoy Town Councillors and members of Post 25 to meet with the Minister to try to convince him to allow the local veterans group to use the camp.

On foot of a recent Dail question, the Minister said he couldn’t look at the matter until after the premises is vacated in March. At that stage, he advised, in accordance with normal procedures in relation to the disposal of State property his department will first be inviting Government departments and other public bodies to identify any interest in the property. If there are no expressions of interest by any Government departments or State agencies the property will be disposed of by public tender or auction.