John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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595. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the plans in place for the upgrade of buildings and facilities in the Curragh Barracks; and the budget allocated for same. [20156/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, 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.

This is being achieved through the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme which was published in January 2020. The Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi annual timeframe and is designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities of the Defence Forces. It is envisaged that over the 5 year lifespan of the Plan some €145m will be spent on its implementation.

The Plan provides for the development of the following projects in the DFTC:

- upgrading Block 7 accommodation facility in Connolly Barracks;

- provision of a new Electric Target Range;

- provision of a new Cadet school;

- provision of a new CIS workshop; 

- provision of a new ARW Headquarters; and the

- development of a new auditorium suite at the Military College.

The Plan also recognises that the development of a new International Peace Studies Institute and a new student accommodation facility are of 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.