asked the Minister for Defence if he will state when it is hoped (a) to build new married quarters at Collins Barracks, Cork, and (b) to improve the old types of married quarters at the same barracks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Barracks Married Quarters.
I am unable at this stage to state when new married quarters for non-commissioned officers and men are likely to be built at Collins Barracks, Cork. The matter is, however, being considered as part of a scheme to improve the housing conditions of married soldiers at the larger military centres.
As regards the second part of the question, internal porches were recently erected in those of the quarters which lacked this amenity. Also, a communal laundry and bathhouse for the use of the occupants of the quarters is being erected at present.
The Minister is, no doubt, aware that the older type of married quarters in Collins Barracks in Cork are not only inadequate but in a very advanced state of deterioration. This is the particular section of the quarters in which I am interested. I wonder would there be any possibility of repairs of such a nature as to make them more habitable being carried out, while the major scheme of resettling soldiers in the new quarters is being considered?
The porches to which I have referred are a step in that direction. The hall-doors opened, so to speak, into the reception room, but there have been erected what are described here as internal porches, so that when one opens the hall-door one does not step into the living-room.
That applies to part of the married quarters. I am dealing with the old type of married quarters in which there is some kind of queer porch with entrance straight into the kitchen. The doors are facing directly into the east wind.
It is all part of the general scheme of endeavouring to get proper housing accommodation there.