Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
260. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the capital and current funding required for the capacity of the Joint Induction Training Centre at Gormanston Barracks to be able to handle 1,250 new recruits when fully operational. [16344/26]
View answerThe Joint Induction Training Centre (JITC) at Gormanston Barracks, primary is to accommodate the induction training of all future recruits into the Defence Forces. As Minister for Defence, I will build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026 across all Defence Forces services. The Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Camp will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational. There has been significant capital investment allocated to the JITC to provide for the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities required to carry out this function. The current ongoing capital projects in Gormanston come to a total value of over €15m and are listed below:
* New Gym/obstacle course; under construction with a 2026 completion
* New Dining Hall; under construction with a 2026 completion
* New Locker Block; under construction with a 2026 completion
In addition, the following projects have been completed to a value of €1.54m, see below:
* New NDA Range
* Upgrade of Blocks A and B
* Provision of a new running track
In addition, a new Accommodation Block, with a capacity for an additional 100 beds, is at the early stages of procurement design and planning.
