Sorca Clarke
Question:126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence whether any assessment has been carried out of the feasibility or strategic implications of relocating or redeveloping Custume Barracks in Athlone. [72660/25]
View answerWednesday, 17 December 2025
Questions (126)
Written answers
As Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Commission on the Defence Forces undertook a significant body of work, encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference in its report published in 2022. It recommended significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
There are a number of Government approved, Commission recommendations contained in the report which may impact on the structure of the Defence Forces including that the structure of the Army be reviewed, and in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered.
No decisions on the future disposition or locations of Defence Forces formations, installations and personnel have been made at this time.
In keeping with the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Defence Forces have established an office of Army Force Design and an overarching strategic force design office, which has begun to undertake the significant work required to give effect to this recommendation.
On completion of the force design work by the Defence Forces and other work, the Chief of Staff will submit a report on Force Design to me for review. This is complicated and challenging work which we need to get right to ensure that we design a modern force which is fit for purpose for future generations.