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

I thank the Deputy for the question, but I am afraid that he might not be happy with this answer. The brief I have is that for operational security reasons, the details of the numbers of Defence Forces personnel that are currently stationed at Custume Barracks in Athlone, as well as those over the past five years, cannot, and should not, be disclosed. It should be noted, however, that the number of personnel stationed at a particular location will frequently vary on an ongoing basis as it is a normal operational feature for there to be a constant flow-through of personnel into and out of military installations.

The rolling Defence Forces build infrastructure programme provides a blueprint for investment in Defence Forces built infrastructure over a five-year timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces. The completion of the new dining hall complex was an important project to upgrade the facility in Custume Barracks. The main works contract, valued at €4.1 million, was awarded in October 2018 and work was completed in 2020.

Following a commitment given in the programme for Government, a commission on the future of the Defence Forces was established by the Government in December 2020. Its report is expected soon. The commission's terms of reference include the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. Their report will be fully considered when it is received. As I said earlier, I hope we will have a long debate in this House on it.

It would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion regarding the recommendations of the commission's report or the outcome of a subsequent deliberative process prior to the completion of that process, as well as prior to a Government consideration of any proposed plan of action. However, I assure the Deputy that Custume Barracks is, and will continue to be, an important operational military barracks as part of our military structure.

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