Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2019
33. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be allocated to improve working and living conditions for soldiers in the Curragh camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38511/19]
View answerIn order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capability to deliver on all of the roles assigned by Government, I am committed to the development and improvement of the physical environment and living conditions in military installations throughout the country. The Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme, is compiled on a priority needs basis by my Department in conjunction with the Military Authorities.
This year some €28m was allocated towards the maintenance of and the development of new building projects for the Defence Forces. Over the period of 2016 to end 2018, some €17m was spent on various capital projects and ongoing maintenance of buildings and facilities in the Defence Forces Training Centre, most notably this included the refurbishment of Blocks B and D of Pearse Barracks as well as the provision of a newly constructed ammunition storage facility. In 2019, it is intended that a further €3.5m will be expended by year end on ongoing maintenance and improvement works in the DFTC. One of the key projects being undertaken this year is the upgrading and refurbishment of Plunkett Block 7 in the Curragh Camp, DefenceForces Training Centre. This project involves the refurbishment of the existing accommodation for 58 personnel to modern standards. These works will commence shortly.
