Vol. 506 No. 5
111 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the band of the Western Command based at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement regarding its future. [15991/99]
The Defence Forces review implementation plan, approved by the Government in early 1996, proposed an establishment for the Army bands collectively of some 136 personnel. The deployment of these numbers across the new three brigade structure is as follows :–
|
Eastern Brigade – Army No.1 |
45 |
|
(including Band at Curragh) |
|
|
Southern Brigade |
41 |
|
Western Brigade |
41 |
|
HQ Administration |
9 |
|
136 |
112 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, he has for capital expenditure at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, and Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; if so, the works to be carried out; and the cost and timescale for these proposals. [15992/99]
With regard to Columb Barracks, Mullingar, refurbishment of the dining hall and construction of a new ration store and toilets; installation of radiator panels; internal painting; and road re-surfacing were carried out last year at a cost of £230,000. There are no capital projects proposed for the barracks in 1999.
During the past three years various up-grading projects were carried out at Custume Barracks, Athlone, at cost of £775,000. These included refurbishment of the gymnasium and conversion of the heating system; refurbishment of the cookhouse and dining hall; new transport workshops; and road re-surfacing. Further works which are expected to be commenced later this year at the barracks at a total estimated cost of £1 million include the refurbishment of the guard room and armoury; re-roofing of billets; and provision of external lighting.
Routine maintenance and repairs will continue to be carried out at both military posts as required.
