Vol. 519 No. 7
71 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence the structural works planned or under way at the Curragh; the reason for these developments; if the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has had any involvement with these developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14766/00]
A special reinvestment programme was initiated by my Department in 1999, to complement expenditure on the normal range of building and engineering works, for the purpose of providing modern living, operational and training accommodation for the Defence Forces. The special programme is centred on the Curragh Camp and on Collins Barracks, Cork, and is expected to result in the investment of more than £50 million in additional funding in the period to the end of 2003. It is estimated that the total expenditure on new buildings and projects for the up-grading of existing buildings throughout the Defence Forces will exceed £100 million in the period 1999 to 2003.
As regards major projects at the Curragh Camp, the refurbishment of the ammunition depot is well advanced and work on a new swimming pool and gymnasium project will start shortly. About 14 further major projects at the camp are scheduled and the majority are due to be commenced later this year, including a new NCO's mess; ordnance-transport school and technical stores; and accommodation in Connolly and Clarke Barracks.
All of these projects are being undertaken solely for Defence Forces purposes and will be fully funded by my Department.
