Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
32. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the position regarding ongoing developments to improve the quality and quantity of accommodation for service personnel in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13209/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for affording me the opportunity to outline the significant investments we are making in improving the Defence Forces built infrastructure, including improving accommodation facilities for our personnel. This year we are providing some €55m in improving our built infrastructure; a record allocation which will increase in the years ahead to match the roll out of new projects.
There are currently over €100m worth of projects underway at different stages of development. Since the Plan was launched, €22m worth of accommodation projects have been completed, providing 365 additional bed spaces at several barracks around the country.
Building on the progress of the last three years, 2023 is on track to be a largely positive year with historic levels of investment; with specific accommodation projects in
- Renmore Barracks - at a cost of €10m and now well underway;
- A New Accommodation Block in Collins Barracks also now under construction and to be followed by the major refurbishment of existing accommodation in the Barracks; and
- The refurbishment of Block 4 in the Naval base to commence on site later this year.
There are more accommodation projects planned for 2024 and beyond. Taken together these projects will provide an additional 960 bed spaces.
As the Deputy, may know I recently instructed that some housing stock in the Curragh Camp marked down for demolition was to be renovated and modernised for accommodation purposes. In addition, I have instructed that an assessment be carried out of all other housing stock under my Department 's control to ascertain their suitability to return to modern accommodation usage.
I should also mention that I have recently visited several Barracks' and have witnessed at first hand, the improvements being made and the positive impact these improvements make to our personnel. The Deputy can be assured that I have impressed upon my officials and senior military management the imperative of maintaining and building on the momentum we have witnessed in recent years.
