Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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13. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the funding provided to improve Defence Forces accommodation from 2016 to 2019; the projects planned in 2020; and the specific funding allocated to each. [3561/20]

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.

I can confirm to the Deputy that from 2016 to 2019 some €98.3m was spent on the maintenance, refurbishment and the development of infrastructure projects including Defence Forces accommodation.

In this context and looking to the future, I can confirm that a 5 year Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme has recently been published.  This Programme, developed together with the military authorities, will provide a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe.  The plan will ensure that the required capital funding is prioritised. The list of projects for delivery will be updated annually to form the basis for the selection of capital projects under the programme into the future.

In regards to 2020 planned projects, a number of the following capital projects are currently at various stages of development from design tender to project commencement including:

- Construction of new Gymnasia at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, €3.3 million

- Construction  of a new Cadet School Headquarters Building in the Curragh, €2.1m

- Upgrade to waste and water services at Coolmoney Camp, €1 million

- Upgrade and Refurbishment of two buildings at McKee Barracks, €7.5 million

- Upgrade of No.8 &9 Block Haulbowline and Construction of one new Block/upgrade of No. 1 Block at Collins Barracks, €12.6 million

- Upgrading of underground services at Barracks in Kilkenny, Dundalk, Galway Finner Camp,and Casement Aerodrome, €2.8 million

- Upgrade of Electric Target Range, DFTC, €2.4 million

- Upgrade of the former USAC Complex in Galway,€6.5 million

- Remediation of Spencer Jetty, Haulbowline Naval Base,€2.6 million