Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

There is one major capital project under way at present, that is, the refurbishment of block 7, Connolly Barracks. This project will provide modern accommodation for 99 Defence Forces personnel.

On the question of major capital projects planned for this year, it is proposed to upgrade the infantry weapons wing and the NCO school. The upgrade will provide modern office training and ancillary facilities for the school. It will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of training and will benefit both staff and students.

Three other large projects are under way at the Curragh, a new sports changing facility, the reroofing of Pearse officers' mess and the renovation at MacDonagh Barracks, blocks G and H. I expect all three projects to be completed this year.

Other major capital projects under way include the refurbishment of accommodation facilities at Custume Barracks, Athlone, the refurbishment of accommodation at Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, the upgrade of brigade headquarters and the medical facility at Collins Barracks, Cork, the upgrade of the kitchen and dining hall at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, and the refurbishment of the armoury at Mellows Barracks, Galway. It is expected that these projects will be largely completed this year. The capital allocation for building work projects for the Defence Forces in 2006 is just short of €22 million.

The Deputy asked about commemorating the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation. We have plans to unveil seven monuments to seven individual signatories. I will go to the Curragh shortly to do that.

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