Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2004
135 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the accommodation facilities in Cathal Brugha Barracks; the plans for this barracks; and when the residents can expect to enjoy a suitable standard of accommodation. [14417/04]
View answerThe refurbishment of accommodation facilities is an integral part of my Department's building plans, as part of an ongoing investment programme within the Defence Forces. Accommodation for Defence Forces personnel in Cathal Brugha Barracks has been substantially upgraded in recent years. This included the refurbishment of billet blocks at a cost of €2 million, completed in September 2003 and refurbishment of officer accommodation in 2001 at a cost of almost €1 million.
The building programme for this year includes a project estimated to cost €750,000 to upgrade two building blocks to provide transit accommodation and locker facilities for other ranks personnel. This year's programme proposes to refurbish existing buildings as a new battalion headquarters, which will enable the existing larger headquarters to be vacated and used for accommodation purposes. It is anticipated that the latter project, which will provide modern living in accommodation, will be included in the 2005 capital works programme at an estimated cost of €2.5 million.
Routine maintenance will continue to be carried out within the barracks. I am fully committed to the ongoing development of accommodation facilities throughout the Defence Forces, and improvements will continue to be carried out in the light of competing demands and availability of financial resources.
