Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not really interested in announcements. I want to get to work on the ground. That is why between 2016 and 2018, €17 million has been spent on various projects within the Defence Forces training college in the Curragh. Regarding the Naval Service accommodation, I note that approval to commence design solutions for the refurbishment and upgrade of the accommodation block and the naval base at Haulbowline was issued on 10 July 2019. The procurement process for the appointment of a design team to develop this project is ongoing. This project will deliver additional living capacity, on top of the 210 bed spaces already provided at the naval base. It is intended that works on-site at block 8 will be commenced in 2020. However, as this is a listed building, planning consent is likely to have a significant impact on costs and delivery. There is no doubt that renovating old Victorian buildings costs twice as much money. Is it value for money? I often ask that question myself. Renovating a very old building does not provide the same quality as a new build.

I have penned a tentative date for a meeting between myself, Deputy Heydon and Kildare County Council into my diary. I acknowledge this is of huge concern to the Deputy, who has raised it with me on numerous occasions. The Department of Defence has responded to a lot of the Deputy's requests. We have dedicated people working on the Curragh Plains. This is a great amenity for the people of Newbridge and the greater Kildare area. I will come back to the Deputy with a specific date for that meeting.

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