Cathal Berry
Question:37. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the proposed procurement of a primary radar system for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13280/24]
View answerThursday, 21 March 2024
Questions (37, 46)
Brendan Howlin
Question:46. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made to date on the acquisition of a primary radar system for Ireland; when he expects such a system to be in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9155/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 46 together.
The 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 Long Range Air Defence, Short Range Air Defence and maritime radar.
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 of this project. The Needs Phase of the project is currently ongoing to develop the rational for the project 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 phase will continue until Quarter 4 2024.