Thomas Byrne
Ceist:46. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans regarding the future of Gormanston Camp in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 February 2017
Ceisteanna (46)
Freagraí ó Béal (5 píosaí cainte)
There will only be one supplementary question.
I will not delay the House. My question will give the Minister of State the opportunity to set on the record the Government's commitment to Gormanston Camp, allow the public to know of that commitment and recognise the camp's importance to the Defence Forces and the local area.
Gormanston Camp is, and will continue to be, an important operational military installation. There are no plans to change this. The camp is a vital training asset for the Defence Forces in respect of activities such as recruit and three star training, overseas pre-deployment training, small arms live fire training and live fire air defence training. Gormanston is currently the only site in the defence property portfolio that is used for air defence training and Air Corps firing.
My Department has invested considerably in facilities and infrastructure at Gormanston Camp. Since 2010, just over €688,000 has been spent on a range of capital and non-capital developments and improvements. This is in addition to routine ongoing investment in the repair and maintenance of the facility.
I thank the Minister of State. It is worth reminding the House of the functions and importance of Gormanston Camp and getting that commitment from the Government. From time to time, one hears questions on the matter, so it is important to have that commitment on the record of the House. I am grateful to the Minister of State for that.
The Deputy has taken a keen interesting in Gormanston Camp for many years. He has often raised questions on the issue. Gormanston is a critical part of the Defences Forces' infrastructure and is used for important training. As the Deputy is aware, the Government's employment scheme was run out of Gormanston Camp in 2016. The camp offers capabilities and specific training facilities for members of the Defence Forces, specifically the Air Corps and the Army.
Written Answers are published on the Oireachtas website.