Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 6

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Property.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

143 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been reached on the upgrading of all residential accommodation at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, in view of the fact a lot of the accommodation is sub-standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8815/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Accommodation for Defence Forces personnel at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare, has been substantially upgraded during the last few years. This involved refurbishment of complete buildings as well as replacement of windows, heating systems, etc. The total cost involved was in the region of £2 million. Projects for the further conversion and upgrading of accommodation to provide living-in facilities at a cost of £3.6 million approximately are included in the barracks re-investment programme, currently in progress. In addition routine maintenance will be carried out as required.

Married quarters are considered an anachronism in modern Ireland and it is proposed to discontinue them in a managed and orderly manner save in exceptional circumstances. A review of married quarters therefore is at present being undertaken by my Department to determine what quarters, if any, will be retained.

For the past number of years it has been the practice to carry out only emergency repairs to married quarters. This procedure will continue pending the outcome of the review mentioned. However, it is the policy of the military authorities not to re-allocate quarters which are considered to be sub-standard.