Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Defence his proposals to improve sports facilities for members of the Defence Forces; the areas suggested for such investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16857/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There has been an unprecedented level of expenditure on infrastructure and equipment for the Defence Forces in recent years. This was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment.

Over €192 million was spent between 1997 and the end of 2004 on the capital investment programme for the upgrade of operational, training, accommodation and recreational — including sports — facilities for the Defence Forces. This year's Estimate for the Department of Defence includes a further €19.4 million for capital works.

The upgrade of training facilities for the Defence Forces, including sports facilities, has been a priority in my Department for a number of years and significant progress has been made to date. Works completed include: the construction of a new swimming pool, gymnasium complex, and the provision of all-weather pitches in the Defence Forces training centre, Curragh Camp; the provision of a new all-weather pitch in Monaghan military barracks; and the provision of a new gymnasium in Collins Barracks, Cork.

The construction of a new sports centre — including changing rooms, warm-up areas and showers — in the Defence Forces training centre, Curragh Camp, will go to tender soon and will be completed in early 2006. The provisional capital works programme for 2006 provides for the construction of a new gymnasium in McKee Barracks. It is expected that this project will commence in September 2006.