Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Defence the planned developments at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34695/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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My Department is engaged in an on-going capital building 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 of the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings.

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.

In Custume Barracks, Athlone, a contract was recently placed to build a new gym and work is progressing on site. It is hoped that this project will be completed by mid 2010. It is also planned to provide new garaging and offices and have a major upgrade of the gas and water mains in the Barracks. It is anticipated that all of this work will be completed by the end of 2010. The cost of these works is approximately €3.5 million. My department is committed to continuing the capital programme in line with the available funds and the prioritised requirements of the Defence Forces.