Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 111: To ask the Minister for Defence the arrangements that have been made to ensure that the officers living in steel containers in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin 6, are moved to more suitable permanent accommodation as soon as possible; the estimated timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3562/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is engaged in an on-going capital programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings.

The requirement for living-in accommodation in Cathal Brugha Barracks and the Dublin area is being considered as part of the overall Defence Force requirements. The provision of any accommodation required there will be undertaken in conjunction with the overall Defence Force Infrastructure Development Programme.

As you are aware the study of living in accommodation undertaken by the Defence Forces is expected to be complete early this year. One of the main preliminary findings of the study was that there is sufficient, good quality accommodation to meet the current requirement across the Defence Forces generally and that any shortages are confined to only a few locations where the demand is high.

The Deputy was invited to see the accommodation he refers to. I understand that he recently visited Cathal Brugha Barracks to view the accommodation there. The units he refers to are designed for single occupancy, they have en suite facilities and are fully furnished and heated. Military authorities have advised that they comply with all relevant regulations and that they are fully fit for purpose.

I accept that they are temporary in nature and it is my intention to have occupants moved to more suitable accommodation as soon as it is possible to do so.

Projects in the Capital Programme are prioritised in terms of addressing the Defence Forces operational requirements taking into account the annual capital allocation for the on-going building programme. Should the current allocation change the building programme will be reviewed and projects in the programme will be prioritised on a needs basis.