Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of primary radar; the proposed timeframe in which a contract will be agreed; and the proposed timeline in which a system will be operational. [2730/24]
View answerThe development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. The military radar programme is an ambitious and complex programme which includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for delivery of military radar by 2028. It is important to note that specific timelines for projects for the enhancement of capabilities can be impacted by many factors from procurement strategy to external factors such as the internal defence market and the global, regional and local trends affecting it and accordingly require a flexible and adaptable approach.
A civil / military project team are continuing their work of research into various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from our EU colleagues. Governance structures to manage this programme of work are also in place. Significant progress has been made to date but we are still at the early stages. The Needs Phase of the project is currently ongoing to develop the rational for the capability and investigate high level options. This phase is due to be completed in Quarter 2 2024. In line with the new Infrastructure Guidelines the following phases will build on the work carried out during the Needs phase to further develop the business case and complete the project design and planning. This will continue until Quarter 4 2024. The Acquisition Phase of the project will require a significant timeframe and is estimated to continue until Quarter 3 2025, followed by the Contract Delivery Phase with an estimated completion timeframe of 2028.
