Vol. 503 No. 3
195 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence his views on the report on value for money examination by the Comptroller and Auditor General on defence property in relation to the substandard living-in accommodation; the plans, if any, he has to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10231/99]
As pointed out in the report, the accommodation categorised as substandard is accommodation in reasonable decorative order with limited furniture and floor covering. As such, it is not considered satisfactory for long-term living-in personnel. The Deputy will note that the position, as of January 1998, was that approximately 30 per cent of such accommodation was actually occupied. This would normally be on a short-term basis.
The condition of these quarters is kept under review, and refurbishment and routine maintenance are undertaken as circumstances require and the availability of resources permit.
The issues raised in the report are currently under detailed examination in my Department.
196 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence when the Orchard Park houses will be sold to the tenants; and the reason for the delay in selling these houses. [10232/99]
The Chief State Solicitor has been requested to clarify the position with regard to the terms of title under which the properties will be sold. The advice of the Chief State Solicitor is still awaited in the matter and it is, therefore, not possible at this stage to say when the properties will be offered for sale.
197 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline his upgrading programme at the Curragh Camp; the cost for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10233/99]
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 at a total estimated cost of £5 million 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 tender process for all of these projects will commence when the necessary documentation has been prepared. The estimated cost of the programme for the Curragh is £20 million.
