Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
99. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence the improvements planned for Stephens Barracks under the €1.7 billion Defence National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33259/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his interest in the development of Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny and for the opportunity to discuss the progress that has been made there.
Work has just been completed at Stephens Barracks on a new Barrack Accountant Facility at a cost in excess of €600,000. This new facility provides a modern, fit for purpose secure storage facility for the Barrack Accountant and includes roof mounted solar power generation, contributing to the Defence Forces’ energy efficiency and decarbonisation agendas.
The following projects are in the design stage:
• New Military Equipment Store, Locker Block & Ablution Facility.
• Refurbishment of accommodation at Blocks A-F
The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was approximately €170 million. This year, the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment.
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. 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.
