Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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7. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if funding will be allocated for a new control tower at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; when this capital works project will commence; the duration of such works; and the budget allocated for same. [8776/20]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, will provide a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe.  The programme recognises the development of a new Control Tower  and its' strategic importance to the development of the Defence Forces.  The development of strategic infrastructure of this nature will be progressed further as the Plan is implemented. The programme will ensure that the required capital funding is prioritised as building activities increase over the lifetime of the Programme.   

There are currently over €68m worth of projects underway at different stages of development. This level of expenditure will continue to increase as the Programme is implemented. It is projected that some €75m will be spent over the next three years and that over the 5 year lifespan of the Programme some €145m will be invested.