Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
109. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the programme of works to be carried out in 2023 to upgrade residential accommodation in Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48936/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, it has been a long-standing policy, to discontinue the historic provision of tied housing to Defence Forces personnel. This policy of discontinuing housing provision was introduced for the Defence Forces in the late 1990's and it is not intended to reverse this policy.
Separately, Single Living in Accommodation is provided for personnel where it is required for training and operational purposes. The provision of new and upgraded accommodation projects features prominently in the Defence Forces Infrastructure Plan. The Deputy may wish to note that I recently opened the newly refurbished Block 8 Accommodation in the Naval base at Haulbowline, which will allow for extra capacity in ensuring those on active service can avail of accommodation while on patrol duties. In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that the refurbishment of the USAC building at Renmore barracks has commenced construction while the refurbishment of Block H in McKee barracks will be completed in the coming weeks. As implementation of the Plan is gathering pace, the following projects, all aimed at improving capacity in accommodation, for serving personnel are due to commence construction in 2023:
- Refurbishment of Block 4 Haulbowline , Naval Service,
- New accommodation Block in Collins Barracks, Cork,
- Refurbishment of Block 1, Collins Barracks, Cork.
