Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 25 September 2025

Committee on Defence and National Security

Update on Issues in the Reserve Defence Force: Discussion

2:00 am

Mr. Neil Richardson:

Essentially, it is based on the size of the Reserve unit that is there. Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks, Galway, has an complement of 133 personnel. As long as the number does not exceed 133, it can take them on the books. Clifden and Ennis Reserve units are nearby as well. The rule of thumb is approximately 130 personnel per barracks in those kinds of locations. In larger cities like Cork and Dublin, there are multiple units. Those barracks `can accommodate approximately 500 to 600 personnel from a Reserve perspective.