Willie O'Dea
Ceist:216. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence for an overview of the Defence National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12170/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 February 2026
Ceisteanna (216)
Freagraí scríofa
As Minister for Defence, I welcome the revised National Development Plan capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group of €1.7 billion out to 2030. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation has increased by €66 million to €300 million.
The Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was this week published alongside the Strategic Framework 2026. These documents outline my Department's key priorities in the transformation of the Defence Forces, and support the actions that will be taken in the months and years ahead, to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, including crucial equipment and infrastructure projects.
Capital Investment in Defence primarily supports the renewal, retention, and acquisition of major defence equipment as well as the development of defence infrastructure. This expenditure strengthens military capabilities and contributes to a more secure and resilient society.
Given the critical importance of robust radar capabilities in safeguarding national security and ensuring comprehensive awareness of activity across Ireland’s air and maritime domains, the progression of the Military Radar Programme is an absolute priority for me in 2026. The Military Radar Programme includes three elements - Land Based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence systems, to include a Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
Following Oireachtas approval of a Supplementary Estimate for the accelerated procurement of Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces, the required capabilities are now being procured with planned delivery, and training, being carried out during 2026. Other vitally important Defence projects set to advance in 2026 include Subsea Awareness, Software Defined Radio, and Light Utility Helicopters along with a wide range of essential Force Protection equipment.
As Minister for Defence, I am committed to ensuring that this increased capital funding allocation also enables further progress on a range of Defence Forces Built Infrastructure projects encompassing accommodation, offices and gyms, together with critical investment in aircraft hangars and naval berthage. It will also complement a number of important ongoing infrastructural projects, including the development of the Cadet School HQ, at DFTC and a new Medical Facility at Casement Aerodrome.
Additional capital investment will also be directed at improving Defence Forces IT, Transport, Engineering and Ordnance capabilities.
The geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly, and security challenges are emerging, however, I believe the capital funding envelope now provided to 2030 will enable further targeted delivery of measurable capability enhancements to the Defence Forces.
Full details of the Defence NDP 2026-2030 Sectoral Plan are available on the Government website www.gov.ie