Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
37. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total military provided accommodation available at present for Defence Forces personnel; the plans he has to extend this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13683/23]
View answerThank you Deputy for giving me the opportunity to outline the significant investments we are making in improving the Defence Forces built infrastructure.
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 key feature of the IDP is the modernisation and upgrading of accommodation facilities for serving members of the Defence Forces. The capital allocation for this year alone is €45 million with a further €10 million allocated to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its current building stock.
At present, there are 4,509 military accommodation bed spaces for Defence Forces personnel across the country. Over the coming years in excess of 500 additional beds spaces are scheduled for provision throughout the country.
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.
