176. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the development and implementation of the Baldonnel Masterplan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53960/26]

The Deputy will be aware that the masterplan for the Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, was completed in early 2025 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.

The findings/key recommendations as well as proposals for implementation were presented to my predecessor. In total, the masterplan for Casement Airbase airside provides development options equivalent to over €200 million in investment. The first priority project identified in the Airside Masterplan was the development of the Aircraft Hangars.  On the 6th May of this year, my Department signed contracts with an Integrated Design Team to undertake the design and construction oversight for the construction works on three (3) Aircraft Hangars, one of which will be a new, dedicated maintenance hangar.

In addition, and to compliment the completed Airside master development plan, the consultancy for the development of a masterplan for the Landside at Casement Aerodrome began in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by end of Q3 2026.