Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the various military barracks and other establishments throughout the country are adequately maintained to the highest standards; his plans to address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17645/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Department is engaged in ongoing capital building and maintenance programmes designed to modernise and enhance the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to members of the Defence Forces. The capital building programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The ongoing maintenance programme ensures that necessary repairs are carried out at all military installations.

Under the capital programme there has been considerable capital investment in various military installations over the last number of years. Major projects completed in the last number of years include a new Avionics Workshop at Casement Aerodrome (approximate cost €3m), the refurbishment of the Brigade HQ and Military Medical Facility at Collins Barracks in Cork (approximate cost €2.8m) and the upgrade of 'E' Block in Aiken Barracks (approximate cost €2m). Major projects completed in the Curragh include the new Armoured Vehicle Garaging Facility (approximate cost €2.2m), the re-roofing of the Military Medical Facility (approximate cost €1.0m) and the new Heritage Centre (approximate cost €0.8m).

The Capital Budget for 2011 is €8.64 million. New projects commencing in 2011 include the refurbishment of the McDonagh Barracks Catering Centre and the construction of a new Administration Building, both in the Curragh, the new Automated Marking System Firing Range at Lynch Camp in Kilworth and the replacement of Hangar No. 1 at Casement Aerodrome. In addition to the capital budget a further €5m has been made available for on-going maintenance works.

I am satisfied that there is sufficient funding available to allow a continuation of the programmes to ensure that members of the Defence Forces have the best possible facilities available to meet their needs.