Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 March 2022
108. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the status of the works that were carried out to upgrade and improve Defence Forces buildings in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13374/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the details of the planned upgrades to be carried out to Defence Forces buildings in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
Following the launch of the 5 year Built Infrastructure Programme for the Defence Forces in 2020, significant progress has been made in delivery on modernising the DF built environment. A number of significant projects were delivered/completed during 2021 including:
- Construction of 2 new gymnasia at Sarsfields Barracks, Limerick and at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny combined cost of €6.2 million;
- Provision of a new Electric Target Range DFTC €2.1 million;
- NDA Range at Gormanstown €0.39m;
- Personnel Support Services Resource Centre, Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork €0.36m;
- Replacement of standby generators at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel €0.2m.
Other significant projects well advanced on site in 2021 included Block 8 accommodation (€4 million), refurbishment of Block H McKee (€6.4 million) and the remediation of Spencer Jetty (€3.1 million).
Building on the significant progress achieved in 2021, the capital allocation for 2022 is in the region of €35m. In addition, a further €10m is being provided to the Defence Forces for the purposes of maintenance of current stock.
This year’s allocation will enable the progression of the following Capital Projects to commence on site:
- Engineering Stores, Defence Forces Training Centre, €0.7 million;
- Cadet School HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre, €4.1 million;
- Upgrade to Barracks HQ, McKee Barracks, €1 million;
- Upgrade of Former USAC Block, Renmore, €10 million;
- Relocation of Printing Press, McKee Barracks, €1.9 million;
- Refurbishment of Block F, McKee Barracks, €8.3 million.
In addition the following major projects will be further progressed towards main contractor appointment with a view to onsite commencement in 2023 :
- Dredging, Haulbowline Naval Basin, €1.2 million;
- Refurbishment of Former Chief of Staff’s House, McKee Barracks, €2.2 million;
- Refurbishment of Block 9, Haulbowline, €5.5 million;
- CIS Workshop Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre, €7.3 million;
- ARW HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre, €4.4 million.
