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Defence Forces Property.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004

Tuesday, 2 November 2004

Questions (414, 415, 416, 417)

Jack Wall

Question:

487 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of swimming clubs using the Curragh swimming pool; if he has satisfied himself that the pool is being used to its capacity; if not, his plans to exploit the use of the pool and the hours it is opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27166/04]

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Jack Wall

Question:

488 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of schools using the Curragh swimming pool; if he has satisfied himself that the pool is being used to its maximum capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27167/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.

To date, a total of 14 schools have been granted permission to use the Curragh swimming pool. At present, the pool is open each weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is intended to further expand the use of the facility as soon as possible and arrangements will then be made to permit local swimming clubs and other groups to use the pool.

Jack Wall

Question:

489 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the handing over of Orchard Park, The Curragh, to Kildare County Council; the position in regard to the urgent repairs needed to paths and roads within the estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27168/04]

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In line with normal practice, Kildare County Council has been requested to take in charge the roads and services at Orchard Park. In the interim, the Department will continue to be responsible for the maintenance of the roads and footpaths and in that regard a contractor will shortly be engaged to carry out the necessary repairs.

Jack Wall

Question:

490 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the proposals to upgrade the residential quarters on the Curragh Camp for full-time members of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27169/04]

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The refurbishment of living quarters is an integral part of my Department's building plans. Major contracts to improve the standard of accommodation in the Curragh were placed in recent years as part of the barracks reinvestment plan for the Defence Forces. These included contracts to the value of €5 million approximately in Connolly Barracks, students, and Clarke Barracks, other ranks. In addition, minor accommodation upgrade contracts to a total value of approximately €600,000 were carried out within the Curragh Camp, together with a €1.2 million refurbishment of accommodation at nearby Coolmoney Camp. The capital works programme for 2005 includes a €1.5 million project to provide modern living in/courses and transit accommodation in Connolly Barracks. I am committed to the ongoing development of accommodation facilities in the Curragh and throughout the Defence Forces generally and improvements will continue to be carried out in the light of competing demands and availability of financial resources.

My Department's policy on married quarters has been set out on many occasions previously and this policy of discontinuing them in a managed and orderly manner, save in exceptional circumstances, will continue in the future.

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