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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

68 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the progress achieved in the past four years in the matter of the upgrading of military hardware, equipment and accommodation, including residential accommodation; if he has in mind a programme to address any or all deficiencies in either area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9075/01]

Since this Government came into office, significant progress has been achieved in investment in equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces. An unprecedented level of investment has been made since then and the investment programme continues to improve following decisions made in the White Paper on Defence. The White Paper on Defence sets out a very positive and developmental approach to defence in Ireland for the next ten years. It involves a new and unprecedented £250 million investment programme in equipment and infrastructure. This programme will ensure that Ireland has a modern and sustainable defence organisation with the depth and flexibility to respond to future demands.

Substantial programmes of investment will take place in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The first two of the new fleet of 40 armoured personnel carriers for the Army, costing £40 million in total, were produced at the end of 2000 and officially handed over to the Department of Defence on 11 January 2001. All 40 vehicles will be delivered by January of next year almost two years ahead of previous expectations.

There has been significant investment in recent years on new vehicles for the Army with more than £6.5 million spent on specialist transport cargo vehicles deployed to KFOR and on new troop carrying vehicles such as 4 x 4s, and three ton trucks.

More than £10.5 million has been expended on new tactical VHF radios for the Defence Forces in recent years. An investment package for the Army estimated at up to £25 million over the next three years is under way. The package includes the purchase of light Infantry tactical vehicles, modern effective anti-armour weapons, night vision equipment, engineer equipment and medical field equipment. A pistol replacement programme for the Defence Forces is also to commence immediately.

Following the publication of the White Paper, I announced a major investment programme for the Air Corps with £55 million available over three years for the purchase of new aircraft. The tender competition for the provision of medium lift helicopters is progressing well and it is expected that the Department will be in a position to place a contract in the middle of this year.

The build of the second new ship for the Naval Service which is similar to L.E. Roisin is well advanced and well ahead of schedule. As with L.E. Roisin, the new ship will also cost more than £20 million. The ship should be completed by the end of April.

Over the past four years, approximately £67 million has been spent on building projects and maintenance works designed to upgrade operational, living and recreational accommodation for members of the Defence Forces. In the next three years, 2001-03, a further £81 million is expected to be spent on a continuation of that programme. Recent major accommodation projects included a new NCOs' mess in Finner Camp costing £0.8 million, and refurbishment of billet blocks, Clarke Barracks, Curragh costing £1.4 million.

Current ongoing major projects include NCOs' mess east, Curragh, costing £2.6 million; student accommodation, Connolly Barracks, Curragh, costing £2.8 million; upgrade officer accommo dation, Cathal Brugha Barracks, costing £0.8 million and upgrade of billets-ablution block, Coolmoney Camp, costing £0.45 million.
In this year's programme, major works are proposed for Coolmoney Camp, Glen of Imaal, costing £4.7 million; Kilworth Camp, County Cork, costing £2.5 million; upgrading of billets, Cathal Brugha Barracks, costing £1.4 million; upgrading of billets, McKee Barracks, costing £1.8 million and upgrading of billets, Naval Base, costing £1 million. Over the next three years, further major accommodation projects listed in the building programme include McKee Barracks, Cathal Brugha Barracks, Connolly Barracks, the Curragh, Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny and Casement Aerodrome.
The new equipment and the building programmes are a top priority for me. The programmes will ensure that the Defence Forces will develop as a world class military organisation in which people are proud to serve.
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