Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have set out a rolling plan. I agree with the Deputy that I should be able to accept the living conditions of members of the Defence Forces for myself, but she will understand that, from 2008 until the past two or three years, there was little investment in some of those living quarters.

I wish to give the Deputy a flavour of some of the projects which are at various stages, from design to construction. A €10 million project is underway at the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh, while €5 million will be provided for the construction of new gymnasia at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick and Stephen's Barracks in Kilkenny. At Cathal Brugha Barracks, €3.7 million will be spent on block refurbishment. In Costume Barracks in Athlone refurbishment of the cook house and dining hall will be undertaken at a cost of €3.3 million. A sum of €3.1 million has been provided for the accommodation blocks in Pearse Barracks in the Curragh. Upgrade and refurbishment works on the apprentice hostel at Casement Aerodrome will cost an estimated €2.8 million while at the naval base in Haulbowline, €2.4 million will be spent on the upgrading of fire detection and fire fighting systems. The upgrading of two blocks of accommodation at Cathal Brugha Barracks will be undertaken at a cost of €1.8 million, while the upgrade of the accommodation facilities at the Defence Forces training centre in Connolly Barracks will cost €1.7 million. That gives the Deputy a flavour of the investment that is taking place.

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