Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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12. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the capital works projects currently under way at Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny; the estimated cost of each of these projects; when each project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/25]

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge the significant increase in investment that has gone into the Defence Forces in recent years. It has been felt on the ground. My question relates to the capital works projects currently under way at James Stephen's Barracks in Kilkenny, the estimated cost of each of these projects and when each project will be completed. Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I would welcome the opportunity to welcome the Tánaiste to Kilkenny to visit James Stephen's Barracks. He will undoubtedly be impressed with the facilities and infrastructure there. I implore him to continue with the existing roll-out of the capital programme and in addition, if addendums are necessary, ask him to consider the refurbishment of the old church and convent into a medical aid centre. It would be of huge benefit to the barracks. It is not in the capital plan at the moment but if we could look at it and if there was scope for it, it would be a huge addition and of huge benefit to the employees of the barracks.

It is absolutely imperative that Stephen's Barracks remain open and that the troops remain based in Kilkenny. It provides a fantastic service. It is the only barracks in the south east. People come from all over and it is a tremendous addition to the city. Will the Tánaiste give assurances that we will continue to invest and secure the future of the barracks and the associated staff?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I certainly will ensure consideration is given to the additional projects the Deputy mentioned, in addition to the two that are scheduled to commence next year, the new military equipment store, locker block and upgrade of the other ranks accommodation block. I will ask my officials to engage with the Defence Forces on the other projects he referred to.

We will continue to invest in and support Stephen's Barracks. I am aware of the important role it plays in our Defence Forces strategically and the affection and pride the people of Kilkenny and the south east region have for it. We are in a period of investment. We will see greater levels of investment, which is right, in defence and security in the time ahead as we reach level of ambition 2 for our Defence Forces and move towards level of ambition 3. For example, by the end of last year, more than €232 million worth of capital projects were at various stages of the procurement pipeline and I expect that trend to only go in one direction.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Tánaiste's commitment to the barracks in Kilkenny. That security is vital. There are more than 400 staff and each of them makes a vital contribution to the economic fabric of Kilkenny. To put that into context, outside their traditional duties, members of the Defence Forces based at Stephen's Barracks, Kilkenny are regularly drafted in by the local authority to grit the city and county's footpaths in freezing weather. We have had flooding in many of our towns and villages and the Defence Forces are never found wanting in providing support. That has been acknowledged in the past and I want to put on the record today that the support they have given on the ground, especially to the local authorities, is immense and the economic contribution they make to Kilkenny city and county is also important. I welcome the Tánaiste's comments and support in this.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy. He is right to mention the primary role the Defence Forces play and carry out with distinction. We all feel a great sense of pride, which we have been talking about in the Houses this afternoon, when we see our troops abroad. I think of our UNIFIL colleagues in Lebanon and look forward to visiting them shortly. We also see on a local level the difference the men and women of the Defence Forces play in providing aid to the civil authority. When the bad weather comes, such as snow or flooding, their willingness to assist local authorities when requested, coupled with the Civil Defence, which is also vibrant in the Deputy's area, makes a real and positive difference and I know it makes us all proud. That is why we will continue to support the Defence Forces. We need to see transformation and a number of issues need to be addressed, but we also need to continue to invest in recruitment, retention and facilities and we will continue to do that in Kilkenny as well.