Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Members of the Defence Forces who were allocated a Married Quarter and who subsequently retire, or leave are required under Regulation to return vacant possession of that property. Where the property is not vacated those remaining in the property, be they the former serving member, their spouse, children and/or other person, are regarded as Overholding. My Department has no agreement with the current occupant that allows her to remain in the property and the occupant was informed in writing that she does not have my Department’s consent to remain there.

That being said, the Deputy may wish to note that when maintenance issues are brought to the attention of my Department in relation to properties occupied by Overholders, matters of a Health and Safety concern are dealt with. In this regard, I understand that in 2020 when my officials were advised of an issue with the supply of water in the bathroom it was addressed without delay. Similarly, I understand that emergency works to the value of €28,000 were approved by the Department in 2021 to address the then reported issues. In relation to the matters now being raised by the Deputy, I have instructed my officials to liaise with the local military authorities to have this matter addressed.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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342. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the refurbishment works that were carried out at Gormanston Camp during 2022; if each of the capital works are completed or ongoing; and the refurbishment works that will be carried out at this camp during 2023. [3251/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015.The Plan is iterative in nature thus ensuring that it remains relevant and that investment is targeted where most needed. A midterm review of the Plan was recently completed by my Department and the Defence Forces to ensure the Plan continues to reflect current operational requirements.

In respect of Gormanston Camp the following projects were (i) completed/ ongoing during 2022 and (ii) scheduled for progression in the coming year at a combined cost of some €1.3m (VAT incl):

2022 - Works completed/ ongoing

- Provision of electrical cabling and associated ducting and trench work to service accommodation Blocks A and B;

- Design and installation of photo voltaic array and ancillary equipment for accommodation Blocks A and B;

- Provision and connection to interim distribution centre;

- Installation of low voltage electrical cabling.

2023- Works Scheduled for Progression

- The refurbishment of building No. 23 as a classroom/training rooms;

- The installation of heat pumps in Accommodation Blocks A and B;

- Site Clearance Works/Demolition works.

The future development of Gormanston Camp is prioritised in the Infrastructure Plan for 2022-2027 and in that regardthe Deputy may wish to note that a number of significant capital projects are scheduled for progression to construction during 2024;

- New Accommodation Block (providing accommodation for 100 personnel), €8m

- Dining Hall Upgrade Works; €3m

- Provision of a New Gym and Obstacle Course ,€5m.