Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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24. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if capital funding will be allocated for the upgrading of living conditions for personnel in the Curragh camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45678/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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In order to ensure that the Defence Forces have the capability to deliver on all of the roles assigned by Government, I am committed to the development and improvement of the physical environment and living conditions in military installations throughout the country. The Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme, is compiled on a priority needs basis by my Department in conjunction with the Military Authorities.

This year some €28m was allocated towards the maintenance of and the development of new building projects for the Defence Forces. This represents an increase of over €10m compared to 2018 and I can confirm to the Deputy that it is intended that the budget allocation will be matched in the coming years to ensure that the level of building activity is in line with Defence Force requirements.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that works on the upgrading and refurbishment of Plunkett Block 7 in the Curragh Camp, Defence Forces Training Centre has commenced. This project involves the refurbishment of the existing accommodation for 58 personnel to modern standards.