Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I formally congratulate the Deputy on his election. I look forward to working with him and thank him for providing me with the opportunity to outline the investments the Government has made under the infrastructure development plan, IDP, in Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny. I hope to visit it shortly.

The Defence Forces IDP sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. The programme reflects the complex environment in which the Defence Forces operate and the corresponding need for appropriate infrastructure to provide accommodation and training for personnel, and maintenance and storage of equipment for land, sea and airborne operational requirements. The plan, which was launched in 2020 and was agreed at the brigade level, is reviewed annually to determine key built infrastructure goals for the next five years. In 2024, more than €43 million was spent on building works in military installations and barracks across the country under the capital element of the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme.

Currently, one capital project is under way in Stephen's Barracks, which is the development of a new barracks accountant facility. This project is expected to be completed this summer and the total cost including VAT is just over €620,000. This new facility is required to support the barracks accountant of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, will store all barracks accountant equipment and files and provide an office and associated facilities for the staff. The addition of Solar PV on the roof of the new building along with ground mounted solar in an adjoining greenfield area will assist the unit in meeting the Defence Forces energy efficiency and decarbonisation agendas. This project brings the total investment to date in Stephen's Barracks to more than €5.5 million, which has seen the development of a new gymnasium, completed in 2021, the provision of underground site services in 2022 and the refurbishment of Block C accommodation, which was completed in March 2024. The Deputy may also wish to note that another two projects are scheduled to commence in the barracks in 2026. They are the construction of a new military equipment store, locker block facilities and the upgrade of the other ranks accommodation blocks.

A significant level of investment is under way. More projects are to come and I look forward to visiting the barracks shortly with the Deputy to see the benefit of this investment in the Defence Forces.

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