Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very surprised to hear that new recruits are sleeping on ships but I will check that out. The Deputy spoke specifically about the Curragh Camp. Over the period from 2016 to 2018, some €17 million was spent on various capital projects and the ongoing maintenance of buildings and facilities at the Defence Forces training centre. Most notably, this included the refurbishment of blocks B and D in Pearse Barracks, as well as the provision of newly constructed ammunition storage facilities. As Deputy Heydon will agree, there was a huge lack of investment in the Curragh Camp for many years. Even though there was an absolutely buoyant economy when Deputy Jack Chambers' party was in government, significant investment was not made in the Curragh Camp. We are now paying for that. Between 2016 and 2018, some €17 million has been invested there.

I note the upgrade to blocks 8 and 9 at the Haulbowline facilities and the construction of a new block in Collins Barracks, which is costing €4.3 million. As I stated in my original reply, approval to commence a design solution for the new accommodation blocks at Haulbowline is at an advanced stage.

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