John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I, too, welcome the students and hope they have an enjoyable day here in Leinster House.

I am responding to Senator O'Loughlin on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, who unfortunately cannot be present here today. He asked me to pass on his apologies to the House. I welcome the opportunity to respond and I thank Senator O'Loughlin for her question. I am very familiar with the Curragh Camp as I had a cousin who was an officer in the Defence Forces and have a friend who lives in close proximity to the camp. I am aware of how loved the Curragh Camp is by the community and of the special regard in which it is held, so it is appropriate that I can fill in for the Tánaiste in responding on this matter.

The post office building in the Defence Forces Training Centre, which was a feature of the military installation for many years, was, as the Senator rightly pointed out, closed in July 2019. The Department of Defence was not involved in the decision to discontinue its use as a post office. As this building is within an active military installation, its long-term use will be determined first and foremost by the military authorities.

To further progress the development of Defence Forces infrastructure more quickly and increase economies of scale, it is planned to develop a series of master plans for each installation to future-proof for the next 20 to 30 years. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation, including the Defence Forces Training Centre, with associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery.

The future plans for the building will be considered within the context of the master planning process for the Defence Forces Training Centre, which is due to begin next year. In that context, the future use and any associated refurbishment works for this building will be determined by the Defence Forces in the context of their operational requirements.

Of course, with regard to any works which may be required to safeguard the architectural importance of the building, the Department and the military authorities will be guided by Kildare County Council. This collaborative approach has worked very successfully with Dublin city and Cork county councils in relation to major renovation projects for important historical buildings in McKee Barracks and at Block 8 on Haulbowline Island. I am advised that some remedial works were carried out in 2022 to ensure the structural integrity of the building.

With regard to the fire station in the Curragh Camp, to which the Senator referred, I am advised that in December 2024 the Department was informed an operational decision had been taken by the military authorities to proceed with the closure of the Defence Forces Training Centre fire station. The fire service was formerly operated by the Defence Forces Engineer Corps. I understand there has been some discussion about the repurposing of the fire station building for other uses by the Engineer Corps; however, a final decision on this matter will be made in the context of the future master planning of the Defence Forces Training Centre.

I thank the Senator for raising these important matters. I know of the two buildings in question and have seen them, and I am aware that the post office is of historical importance in the area. I look forward to the master planning exercise and working with the military authorities on developing their plans.