Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the review of the first masterplan for Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, by officials in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49272/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his interest in the development of Casement Aerodrome and for the opportunity to discuss the progress that has been made. Building on the success of the Infrastructure Development, approval was given to develop a series of masterplans for each installation which will be developed to future-proof for the next 20-30 years.

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. These plans will dovetail with developments identified under the current Infrastructure Development Plan, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards.

Ultimately, the purpose of Masterplans is to:

identify the future development of Defence sites,

Future proof infrastructure investment to achieve LOA2/LOA3,

Identify the need for, and develop the case for, restrictions on areas in proximity to installations.

The first such masterplan for the Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, was completed earlier this year and sets out a number of recommendations in relation to the development of the aerodrome in response to the level of ambition this Government has set for the Air Corps.

Having reviewed and considered the final report, my officials presented the findings and key recommendations to me earlier this year as well as proposals for its implementation.

In total, the masterplan for Casement Airside provides development options equivalent to over €200 million in investment. These plans will dovetail with developments already identified under the current IDP, and will also layout requirements for the years from 2027 onwards.

To date, 8 capital projects have been completed at Casement Aerodrome at a combine cost of over €6 million. There is currently one project under construction, the Military Medical Facility Building at a cost of €16,2m, which is expected to be completed in August 2026

In addition, and to compliment the completed Airside master development plan, procurement for consultancy services to undertake the development of a masterplan for the Landside at Casement Aerodrome is also imminent with a view to a contract start date in early 2026. This will identify the requirements for further capital investment in the landside infrastructure at Casement.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the action he is taking to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48977/25]

Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions taken to improve retention in the Defence Forces. [49210/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 43 together.

Since my appointment as Minister for Defence, in addition to a programme of cultural transformation, which is underway, my focus has been on stabilising the numbers of Defence Force personnel and facilitating the capacity for further increases.

The Deputy will appreciate that retention levels are not influenced by a single factor, but rather that there are multiple, interconnected factors, which are responsible for retaining people in an organisation. The Defence Forces, in common with many peer organisations, both nationally and internationally faces a challenging environment at present in the context of recruitment and retention. This includes the effects of a buoyant Irish economy close to full employment.

A number of specific actions in the area of retention have already been delivered, including:

• Significant progress on pay;
• An increase in the mandatory retirement age to 62;
• The extension of private healthcare to all ranks in the Defence Forces;
• Provision of fitness, training and sports facilities across its installations;
• Progress on the 2023-2027 Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) with the highest level of financial resources in the State’s history;
• The provision of excellent training and education opportunities;
• The updating and development of a number of work-life balance and family-friendly initiatives are also being pursued.