Seán Power
Ceist:98 Mr. Powe r asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money provided for capital expenditure at the Curragh; if he will give details of the projects involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28008/98]
Written Answers. - Curragh Camp.
Allocation of the capital provision for buildings under subhead L in my Department's Estimates for 1999 is currently being finalised. However, with regard to the Curragh Camp, expenditure of about £0.75 million will be provided for in respect of a number of projects which are currently in progress and will be completed in 1999 — principally the building of an armoury and roof replacement at Connolly Barracks. Tenders have been sought for the major refurbishment project at the ammunition depot and expenditure on this work in 1999 is likely to exceed £2.5 million — further substantial financial provision being required in 2000. It is anticipated that in the normal course some minor capital works will arise during the year.
A special provision of £6 million will be included in the 1999 Defence Estimates as the first step towards the application of proceeds expected from the sale of barracks to the improvement of Defence Forces' infrastructure and to meet costs associated with the relocation of personnel. In this context work is expected to commence in 1999 on refurbishment of the swimming pool and on provision of NCO's mess facilities at the camp. The total cost of these works will be over £4 million. A number of other projects to provide upgraded operational, living and recreational accommodation at the camp are at an early planning stage. A reliable forecast of costs likely to arise — for example, for consultants' fees in advancing the planning process and for building work undertaken in 1999 — is not yet available.