THE closure of Lifford and Rockhill Army Barracks in an effort to save the government money is likely to cost the taxpayer approximately ¤1.2 million according to figures obtained from the Department of Defence this week.

Defence minister Willie O'Dea shut down the facilities at Rockhill in Letterkenny and Lifford as well as Monaghan and Longford, in January as part of a rationalisation plan.

Figures obtained this week from the department show the costs involved in closing the two barracks and the upgrading of accommodation and locker facilities at Finner has so far cost almost ¤183,000.

The department also said further expenditure of ¤800,000 was 'anticipated' in the upgrading of accommodation and locker facilities at Finner.

The 130 personnel in each post were transferred to Finner Camp.

Both camps were established in the early 1970s in response to the outbreak of the troubles in the North.

Troops forced to move are also eligible for payments that can range from ¤1,000 up to ¤10,000, if they are forced to move house or commute long distances.

The total cost of moving the 260 troops could cost the taxpayer more than ¤250,000, it is understood.

Significant costs are also being accrued at the closed-down barracks where security, utilities and maintenance and repair have to be paid for.

At Rockhill, almost ¤20,000 has been spent since the start of the year, half of which went on maintenance and repairs.

The department costs for Rockhill are: maintenance and repairs ¤9,220; utilities ¤5,065 and the provision of security cost ¤5,754.

In relation to Lifford the costs are: maintenance and repairs ¤7,900; utilities ¤2,822 and security ¤2,128.

It had been hoped that when the barracks were closed, some land could be sold on.

Economic conditions have put paid to that plan. Instead, the department has been in touch with a number of other government agencies about land-swaps and other arrangements.

"The department initially offered these properties to any government department or one of their agencies.

"Discussions have been ongoing in relation to these properties but have not yet been concluded.

"In the circumstances no details of these discussions will be made public," a spokesperson said.

"Apart from the non-financial benefits of the closures, the costs mentioned will be more than off-set by recurring annual savings estimated at ¤2.6m, mainly on security duties, utilities and maintenance costs.

"This does not take into account the proceeds from the sale of the four barracks."

At the time of the department's decision, a spokesman for the defence forces personnel, PDFORRA, said both closures would result in the loss of ¤12 million to the north Donegal economy.