Brendan Smith
Question:14. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the capital works planned for military installations in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58384/22]
View answerThursday, 24 November 2022
Questions (14)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for affording me the opportunity to highlight the significant investments we have made in Defence Forces built infrastructure. In 2022, we provided a record level of investment to support and improve the building stock. We are going even further in 2023, with an allocation for next year of €55m, the biggest yearly allocation towards the building programme with some €100m worth of projects under various stages of development.
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. A mid term review of the Plan has recently been completed by my Department and the Defence Forces. This updated review sets out the projects to be progressed in the coming 5 years and will be published shortly.
Despite ongoing pressures facing the construction sector from the war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the global pandemic, 2022 was a largely positive year with a number of significant capital projects under construction at a combined value of some €23m.
- Refurbishment of Block 8, Haulbowline
- Upgrade of the Former USAC Building, Renmore
- Cadet School HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre
- Upgrade to Barracks HQ, McKee Barracks
- Provision of an Equipment Storage Facility
- Remediation of Spencer Jetty, Haulbowline
In addition to the above, the completion of the upgrade and refurbishment works to Block H in McKee Barracks is expected in the coming weeks. This project will on completion provide additional living in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. Finally, the following projects are scheduled for advancement in 2023;
- Refurbishment of Block F, McKee Barracks,
- Upgrade of Blocks 4 and 9 Haulbowine
- New CIS building and ARW Headquarters, Curragh
- Refurbishment of Accommodation Block, Collins barracks.