Michael Moynihan
Question:75. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans that are in place for capital investment in defence capability in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4741/23]
View answerThursday, 2 February 2023
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For 2023, the total allocation provided to Vote 36 – Defence is €915 million, which is an increase of €79 million on 2022, and includes a capital allocation of €176 million. This allocation is the highest capital investment allocation ever received by Defence and represents an annual increase of €35 million or 25% on 2022.
The principal demand drivers of Defence capital funding are the ongoing acquisition, renewal and retention of military equipment along with the development of military infrastructure and ICT capacity, in order to ensure that all the necessary capabilities are in place to meet requirements.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects to be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
Among the projects, across land, sea and air platforms, included in the EDP for progression in 2023 are:
- the ongoing midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of Mowag Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carriers;
- the acquisition of Body Armour & Helmets along with a range of chemical biological, radiological and nuclear suits;
- the acquisition of software defined radio;
- the development of a primary radar capability;
- the continuation of the mid-Life Extension programme works on LÉ Niamh;
- the acquisition of two Inshore Patrol Vessels from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara;
- the acquisition of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft;
- the acquisition of a C295 Transport aircraft.
The recently updated 2022-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated infrastructural projects for delivery. This Plan enables the ongoing modernising and upgrading of a diverse Defence Built infrastructure portfolio and ensures that all Defence Forces installations are fit for purpose taking account of operational, security, and health and safety considerations.
Multiple projects are currently progressing, at different stages of development. Among the projects currently underway are the provision of a new cadet school in the Defence Forces Training Camp at the Curragh, and the development of the university students administrative complement, USAC, student facility in Galway, along with a broad range of facility improvements and accommodation upgrades in military locations across the country.
The primary return on Defence capital investment will be the retention of necessary military capabilities which provide the means by which the Defence Forces contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government. These sectoral benefits, will, in turn, deliver wider societal benefits by providing a robust national security infrastructure which aligns and complements related national goals encompassing sustainability, economic recovery, social cohesion and overall societal well-being.