Joe Higgins
Ceist:171 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Defence the way in which it is planned to spend the £7 million set aside for development at the Curragh Camp. [4828/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Expenditure.
Provision has been made under the regular building subhead in my Department's Estimate – subhead L – for the commencement in 1999 of major projects to upgrade the ammunition depot and to provide a new detention block at the Curragh Camp 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 cost of these works amounts to about £8.7 million and expenditure relating to them will be in the region of £3.2 million in 1999.
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 – subhead V – is in progress. The projects include swimming pool facilities; new dining complex; accommodation for officers and other ranks; mess facilities; combat support college; and combat service support college. The corps of engineers is also undertaking planning and design of the upgrading of the gymnasium and lecture halls. The tender process for all of these projects will commence when the necessary documentation has been prepared. The estimated cost of the programme is £20 million and expenditure in 1999 is expected to be in the region of £3 million.