Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 18 together.

My Department is engaged on an ongoing building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. Under the building programme, there has been considerable capital investment at the Curragh Camp in recent years. For example, between 2008 and 2012, my Department spent in excess of €10.7 million on major building projects at the camp.

The defence capital works provision has reduced over the past five years, from €25.6 million in 2008 to €6.24 million in 2013. The reduction in funding of 75.6% has significantly impacted on the number and scale of construction projects which it is now possible to undertake in any given year. Notwithstanding the constraints on the capital budget as outlined, plans are presently being progressed for substantial works at the camp. These are the refurbishment of the ammunition depot and the conversion to natural gas consumption of the major energy consuming facilities in the camp. This is expected to generate significant savings when completed.

The Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Departments, must take into account the current financial difficulties and the economic environment in which we are now operating. The budgetary situation and the operational requirements of the Defence Forces are the primary factors in determining the individual projects which can be completed within the Curragh Camp, as can be seen from the work undertaken to date. Where appropriate, existing buildings within the Curragh Camp are restored. As part of the process for the allocation of funding for individual capital projects an assessment of requirements, which includes a cost benefit analysis, is undertaken.

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