Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
60. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for a report on the defence infrastructure improvements that have taken place in Kildare since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13024/24]
View answerThe Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The Programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide for accommodation and training of personnel, maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and airborne operational requirements. The following capital works in the DFTC, (Curragh Camp, Kildare) are completed or nearing completion :
• Cadet School
• Engineers Logistics Office
• Engineer Stores
• new Electric Target Range
• Upgrade of Accommodation at Plunkett Barracks
The Deputy may also wish to know that the following additional capital works for the DFTC are included in the IDP and are at various stages of the design and procurement process :
• CIS Corps Workshop and Stores
• New Army Ranger Wing HQ Block
• Refurbishment of 1 Accommodation Block Ceannt Barracks
• New Garaging Facility
• Military College Auditorium Suite
• Military Medical Facility and Medical School Upgrade
• New Bonded Warehouse Building
• New Student Accommodation Facility
• West Side Locker Facility
My Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
