Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
75. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the breakdown by project for the capital allocation of €77 million in 2018 to his Department; the breakdown by project for the proposed allocation of €106 million in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan 2018 to 2027 provides €541 million in capital funding for Defence for the period 2018 – 2022. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and ensure that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
The capital amounts allocated under the plan for 2018 and 2019, €77m and €106m respectively, will mainly be expended on substantial investment in multi-annual programmes of equipment replacement and infrastructure development. The following projects are currently underway:
- Army Mowag APC armoured fleet upgrade – Overall cost is €55m, exclusive of VAT, with €7.5m due in 2018 and €10m in 2019;
- Air Corps Cessna Aircraft replacement - Overall cost is €40.5m, inclusive of VAT, with €12m due in 2018 and €13m in 2019;
- Naval vessel replacement programme – Final payment of €3.5m (incl. VAT) due in 2018 for fourth ship, to be named L.É. George Bernard Shaw;
- Virtual Desktop Architecture (VDA) project for Defence Forces - Overall cost of is €12.8m (incl. VAT) with €2.56m due in 2018 and €1m in 2019;
- Modernisation and renewal of barrack infrastructure - €14.2m of capital funding has been allocated in the 2018 budget for Defence Forces built infrastructure, with an increased allocation intended for 2019.
The balance of the capital allocations will be expended on various smaller equipment renewal and replacement programmes, including force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems.
Planned projects due to be delivered under the National Development Plan but yet to commence include:
- CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft replacement;
- Naval Service multi-role vessel acquisition;
- Mid-life refit of the Naval Service vessels LÉ Niamh and LÉ Roisín;
- Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles;
- Further equipment renewal and replacement programmes along with investment in further force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems;
- Further modernisation and renewal of barrack infrastructure, across a number of military locations.
As these projects are in the planning and appraisal stages, it is not possible to provide costings or timelines until these processes are concluded.
In addition, during the lifetime of the National Development Plan, other equipment replacement and infrastructural development projects will be advanced across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. These projects will be implemented on the basis of identified requirements and priorities, as set out in the White Paper.
