Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
137. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans for the items displayed in the Irish Air Corps museum in Baldonnel, which is due to close in December 2023; and if there are any plans to build a new hangar to house the same. [52397/23]
View answerThe 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. In relation to Baldonnel, major capital works projects to the value of some €17m are currently being developed for the Aerodrome, including the relocation of St Bricin's Military Medical Facility to Casement Aerodrome; Hangar 3 enhancement works, and the refurbishment of the Main Technical Stores.
To support this investment, I am informed that the current museum facility will be repurposed in the coming months to house the expanding Air Corps fleet. It is intended that some of the museum exhibits will be stored in a temporary facility on the base, while others will be loaned out to the Shannon Aviation Museum; which already houses a display of material provided by the Air Corps.
Finally, 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.
