Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the timeframe for the works for the planned upgrade of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; the State agencies involved including travel routes there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17957/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government sets out the Government's commitment to making significant investment in the defence sector over the coming years, and this builds on the already considerable investment made in recent years. In terms of infrastructure, the Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027. The capital allocation for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170m. This year the capital allocation stands at €50m for capital investment with a further €12.5m allocation for ongoing maintenance and running costs.

In order to further progress the development of Defence Forces infrastructure more quickly and to increase economies of scale, a series of masterplans for each installation will be developed to identify immediate and long term infrastructural requirements. This approach will identify from the outset the infrastructure requirements in line with capability development for each installation with an associated prioritisation of projects and a phased timeline for delivery, as well as identifying how best to futureproof each installation. These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current IDP, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards.

The first masterplan for the Airside in Casement Airbase, Baldonnel was recently completed and it has recommended how the aerodrome should be developed in response to the requirements of a growing Air Corps. This report is being assessed by my officials.

The following are the current capital works projects :

Ongoing

• Modular Accommodation - Expected completion April 2025
• Military Medical Facility (relocation of St. Bricins) – Expected completion August 2026

• New Barrack Services Store
• New Ordnance Store and Guardroom