Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
63. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline plans for the Irish Air Corps Museum and the Heritage Project, and for the curated historical aviation artefacts displayed in the Baldonnell Museum at a hangar in Casement Aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50331/23]
View answerI am advised that a Museum has been established by the Air Corps in Baldonnel and has been developed by them over the years. The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out an ambitious programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027 across the entire spectrum of military activities. With regard specifically to the Irish Air Corps Museum there are currently no capital works scheduled in this regard under the Plan. The IDP is kept under periodic review by my officials together with the Defence Forces and any prospective capital project would need to be considered in the context of existing and competing military operational demands.
The Deputy may wish to note that major capital works projects to the value of some €17m are currently being developed for the Aerodrome such as the relocation of St Bricins Military Medical Facility to Casement Aerodrome; Hangar 3 enhancement works, and the refurbishment of the Main Technical Stores.
