Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
247. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if she will report on capital funding to Defence Forces Projects in the National Development Plan for the period 2026 to 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72395/25]
View answerThe revised National Development Plan Capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030 is €1.7bn. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 bn. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation will increase by €85 million to €300 million.
Capital Investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms. This expenditure enhances and supports military capabilities and therefore contributes to a more secure and resilient society.
As Defence capital expenditure is often atypical, with long lead-in times, the funding certainty now provided will support the internal Equipment Development Plan and Infrastructural Development Planning Frameworks.
The revised capital allocations will assist ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment and built infrastructure platforms and will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments within LOA 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report, including the priority Military Radar Programme.
In an era defined by a rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions, the investment will modernise Defence Forces capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities.
Full details of the Defence NDP 2026-2030 Sectoral Plan are available on the Government website www.gov.ie.
