Vol. 499 No. 4
92 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, his Department has to upgrade facilities at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, for housing, barracks, training and sporting facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2867/99]
The amount provided in 1999 under the regular buildings subhead in my Department's Estimate – subhead L – is £15.225 million. In addition, a new provision of £6 million has been made under subhead V – barracks reinvestment programme – as a first step towards the application of proceeds expected from the sale of barracks to the improvement of Defence Forces' infrastructure.
With regard to the Curragh Camp, major projects to upgrade the ammunition depot and to provide a new detention block are scheduled to start in 1999 together with a number of maintenance works. In addition a number of projects for which contracts were placed in 1998 will be due for completion in 1999. These include a new armoury; renovation of a dining complex; electrical and insulation works; and central heating up-grades.
The appointment of consultants required for the purpose of undertaking planning and design work on a number of major projects at the Curragh Camp under the barracks reinvestment programme is in progress. The projects include swimming pool facilities; new dining complex; accommodation for officers and other ranks; gymnasium; lecture halls; mess facilities; combat support college; and combat service support college. The tender process for these projects will commence when the necessary documentation has been prepared.
93 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence when the Curragh swimming pool is to be brought up to health and safety standards; when works will be completed; and when the pool will reopen. [2868/99]
Consultants have been appointed to advise on matters relating to the upgrading of swimming pool facilities at the Curragh Camp, including the design and planning work involved. The requirements of health and safety legislation will be complied with in that context. It is expected that building work will commence late in 1999 and will be completed in about a year.
