Written answer
Defence Forces
156. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans he or his Department have for the Curragh military camp; what investment is being planned for the camp; the timelines for such investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44403/24]
Comment on this
The Defence Forces Infrastructure Development Plan (IDP) sets out a programme of project delivery for the years 2023 to 2027.
The following capital works in the DFTC, (Curragh Camp, Kildare) are completed or nearing completion at a total investment of almost €35m:
• Upgrade of Accommodation at Plunkett Barracks- Completed 2020
• Ammunition storage – Completed 2020
• New Electric Target Range- Completed 2021
• Engineer Stores- Completed 2022
• Cadet School – Completed 2023
• Engineers Logistics Office - Completed 2023
• New Vehicle Garaging – Coolmoney Camp – Completed 2024
• New Transport Storage Facility x 2 - Estimated Completion early 2025
• CIS Corps Workshop and Stores- Estimated Completion 2026
The Deputy may also wish to know that an additional investment of capital projects estimated at a value of €44m are planned for the camp, which are outlined below:
• New Army Ranger Wing HQ Block – Expected completion 2027
• Refurbishment of 1 Accommodation Block Ceannt Barracks – Estimated completion 2027
• Military College Auditorium Suite – Estimated completion 2027
• LED External Street Lighting Conversion – Estimated completion 2025
• Military Medical Facility and Medical School Upgrade – Estimated completion 2027
• New Bonded Warehouse Building – Estimated completion 2027
• New Student Accommodation Facility – Estimated completion 2028
• West Side Locker Facility – Estimated completion 2028
In addition to the above works, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.