Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to do this because an impression is sometimes given that we are doing nothing on the Curragh Camp and nothing could be further from the truth. I wish to outline to the House the scale of investment activity being targeted at improving the Defence Forces built infrastructure as set out in the five-year plan published in January 2020. The programme provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi-annual timeframe. The allocation of €37 million for maintaining and improving the building stock in 2021 was the highest allocation since 2008. This level of provision will be increased in 2022 to accelerate the already successful delivery of the programme.

The future development of the Defence Forces training centre is prioritised in the infrastructure plan. In recent years, we have seen the completion of: a new high security ammunition depot; modernised accommodation in Pearse and Plunkett Barracks; and a recently completed new electronic target range. These improvements in the training centre were all recently completed at a combined cost of more than €17.5 million. Notwithstanding the impact of Covid and Brexit on building projects throughout the country, I am pleased to advise the Deputy that progress on implementing the five-year plan continues apace and I anticipate the commencement on-site of the following projects in the Curragh Camp in 2022: a new cadet school, contract to be awarded shortly; a new barrack services engineering store; a new purpose-built communication and information services facility; and provision of a new Army ranger wing headquarters. These projects represent a further investment of in excess of €16.5 million in the Curragh Camp alone for next year.

In addition, work in 2022 will also focus on developing a new military college auditorium, a new bonded warehouse building, and an upgrade of the new medical school. I am aware of the criticisms that have been made on the quality of the building stock in the training centre. However, based on what I have just outlined, I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge that this represents a significant investment, even though there is much more to do.

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