Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the planned capital investment in Defence Force buildings and equipment over each of the next five years; the projects to be progressed in this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32058/18]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) sets out Departmental Capital Allocations for the period 2018–2022. A total of €541 million has been allocated to the Defence Vote for the years 2018-2022, as follows:
Defence Capital Allocations 2018-2022
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
€Million |
77 |
106 |
113 |
120 |
125 |
541 |
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and ensure that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
The following priority investment programmes and projects have been identified for inclusion under the Capital Allocation in the National Development Plan:
- Equipment renewal and replacement programmes including mid-life upgrade of the Army Mowag APC armoured fleet along with investment in further force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems;
- Procurement of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles;
- Replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Aircraft;
- CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Programme;
- On-going Naval vessel replacement programme, including acquisition of a multi-role vessel;
- Mid-life refit of the Naval Service vessels LÉ Niamh and LÉ Roisín;
- Virtual Desktop Architecture (VDA) project for Defence Forces;
- On-going investment in the modernisation and renewal of barrack infrastructure including accommodation, catering, workshops, storage and training facilities.
With regard to the modernisation and renewal of Defence Forces built infrastructure, the following projects are at various stages, from design tender to construction
- Replacement of secure storage facility in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh, Co. Kildare;
- Construction of new Gymnasia at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick and Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny;
- Upgrade of accommodation facilities in the Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh and Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin;
- Upgrade and refurbishment works to the Apprentice Hostel, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin;
- Upgrade and refurbishment works to the Cookhouse and Dining Hall, Custume Barracks, Athlone; and
- Upgrade of Fire Detection & Firefighting System at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co Cork.
In addition, during the lifetime of the National Development Plan, other equipment replacement and infrastructural development projects will be advanced across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as well as Civil Defence projects. These projects will be implemented on the basis of identified requirements and priorities, as set out in the White Paper.
The capital funding provided under the National Development Plan emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
