Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capability to deliver on all of the roles assigned by the Government, my Department is committed to the development and improvement of the physical environment and living conditions in military barracks. This is achieved through the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme, which is designed to modernise and enhance training, operational and accommodation facilities for Defence Forces personnel. It is based on operational requirements and is compiled on a priority needs basis by my Department in conjunction with the military authorities.

The capital element of the programme focuses mainly on infrastructure projects, including the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of facilities. In any one year, the programme provides for new project starts and the continuation of building projects already under way. At the end of 2017, projects worth some €35 million were at various stages of implementation ranging from design to construction. Some €14.2 million has been provided for the delivery of these projects in 2018.

In addition to major capital projects, ongoing works are required under the programme to ensure the upkeep and repair of barracks and other military facilities. An amount of approximately €9 million has been provided for these works in 2018.

In recent years, the infrastructure programme included a number of projects to provide for accommodation requirements identified by the military authorities. Projects currently under way or planned in respect of military accommodation include significant upgrades and refurbishment of existing facilities at the Defence Forces training centre, Cathal Brugha Barracks and Casement Aerodrome, at a cost of €3.1 million, €1.8 million and €3 million, respectively.

The White Paper on Defence identified the need to develop a rolling five-year plan for the provision of future Defence Forces built infrastructure requirements, taking into account the capability priority needs of the Defence Forces. The plan is expected to be finalised in the coming months.

The basis for the While Paper project was the completion of a comprehensive infrastructure needs assessment. Arising from this, a number of additional projects specifically for the provision of accommodation for military personnel have been proposed. Subject to further assessment and prioritisation of military capability requirements, it is expected that a number of these will be advanced in the first iteration of the new rolling five-year plan.

I am satisfied that the best possible military facilities are available, taking into account the priorities and available resources. I am also satisfied that any improvement to military facilities that has been identified as necessary has been provided for.

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